Yellowhammer Times

Governor Kay Ivey participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences (ASHS) in Demopolis, signaling a significant step for education and workforce development in the region. The event included state and national leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, philanthropists, and local officials.

Governor Ivey has been a strong supporter of ASHS, advocating for its creation in the Legislature and its placement in the rural West Alabama Black Belt. “This school represents more than bricks and mortar,” said Governor Ivey. “It is fresh potential for our young people and a milestone in addressing healthcare needs here in Alabama.”

The ceremony took place at the planned 10-acre campus on S. Cedar Avenue, attended by members of the Alabama federal delegation and representatives from Bloomberg Philanthropies. Bloomberg Philanthropies has committed $26.4 million to the project as part of its broader $250 million effort to establish healthcare-focused career and technical education high schools in ten communities nationwide.

Howard Wolfson, Education Lead for Bloomberg Philanthropies, stated: “We are proud to support the bold vision of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences. By giving students access to high quality instruction and clear career pathways, ASHS will help ensure that the next generation of healthcare professionals is well equipped to meet the demands of communities across the state and the country.”

During the event, Governor Ivey announced that Dr. Selwyn Vickers—a Demopolis native who currently serves as president and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center—will act as Special Advisor to ASHS and its supporting Foundation.

Dr. James “Jimmy” Martin, president of ASHS, commented: “As we take this step forward, we’re building opportunity, both for young people and for the future of healthcare in Alabama. Our mission is to help students discover purpose in service, connect learning to real careers and strengthen the health of every community in our state.”

ASHS will be a residential school drawing students statewide and will become Alabama’s fourth free specialty public high school under state Department of Education oversight. It is unique within Bloomberg Philanthropies’ initiative as it is being constructed entirely anew.

The first class is scheduled to begin in August 2026 at a temporary site on the University of West Alabama campus while construction continues toward an August 2027 opening in Demopolis. The curriculum will focus on hands-on training leading to industry certifications and offer direct pathways into higher education or immediate employment in healthcare fields.

The new campus is adjacent to Whitfield Regional Hospital—the primary medical partner—with Brasfield & Gorrie serving as general contractor and Caldwell Architects designing the facility.

Curriculum specifics are being finalized ahead of faculty recruitment efforts. Applications are now open for rising ninth-grade students across Alabama; information sessions are underway statewide.

For ongoing updates about construction progress or admissions information, visit alhealthcarehs.org.