Bill > HB163

This bill establishes the Hope and Opportunity Pathways through Education (HOPE) Program, which will be managed by the State Department of Education, with the primary objective of creating a comprehensive system to help high school dropouts re-enroll in programs that lead to earning their high school diploma. The program will award grants to school districts to fund instructional programs and other services aimed at re-enrolling these students, and any student participating in the HOPE Program who wishes to earn a diploma must meet the graduation requirements of their home school district. To receive funding, school districts must develop a HOPE Plan, which requires approval from the State Board of Education, and they can either run their own programs or contract with non-profit organizations to do so. Funding for the HOPE Program will be distributed based on the proportion of dropouts in each school district compared to the total number of dropouts in the state, and school districts may receive adequate education program funds for students in the HOPE Program if certain criteria are met. The bill also specifies categories of programming, such as full-time, part-time, online, and dual enrollment options, and outlines minimum components for funded programs, including small program sizes, performance-based goals, strong leadership, voluntary enrollment, high academic standards integrated with work experience, comprehensive support services, mentorship, technology centers, and action-oriented learning opportunities.

Education

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0163.xml