Governor Kay Ivey’s Historic Legacy: The Establishment of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences

Governor Ivey has achieved a major milestone in her administration by establishing the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences in Demopolis. This was a key priority for her, and she advocated for it in her State-of-the-State Address in February. With the unanimous passing of bill HB163 in both the House and Senate, with a vote of 28 to 3, the school is now set to open its doors in 2026.

In a statement, Governor Ivey expressed her excitement about the potential of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences to advance educational innovation and healthcare readiness in the state. She highlighted how it will provide opportunities for students, particularly those from rural areas, to pursue careers in high-demand healthcare fields.

Governor Ivey credited Senator Bobby Singleton and Representative Cynthia Almond for their leadership in guiding the legislation through the approval process. The establishment of the school in Demopolis was made possible by a $26.4 million funding pledge from Bloomberg Philanthropies, which is the first of its kind in Alabama. The grant aims to address the declining healthcare infrastructure in rural areas and increase interest among youth in healthcare careers.

The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences will offer educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, math, and healthcare fields to approximately 200 high school students beginning in 2026. It will be the fourth specialty school in Alabama, joining existing institutions focused on mathematics, cyber technology, engineering, and liberal arts.