Ground broken for new Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences in Demopolis
Governor Kay Ivey gave remarks and participated in the groundbreaking for the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Tuesday October 14, 2025 in Demopolis, Ala. (Governor’s Office/Hal Yeager)
Gov. Kay Ivey and other leaders have broken ground in Demopolis for the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences, which will be a residential high school for students statewide.
“This school represents more than bricks and mortar,” Gov. Ivey said. “It is fresh potential for our young people and a milestone in addressing healthcare needs here in Alabama.” She worked to get it approved by the Alabama Legislature.
The school will be built on a 10-acre campus on South Cedar Avenue in Demopolis, next to Whitfield Regional Hospital. The hospital will work with the school in teaching students pursuing healthcare careers.
Artist rendering of the new Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences, under construction in Demopolis – From Office of Governor Kay Ivey
Kate Herman of Bloomberg Philanthropies was at today’s groundbreaking. Bloomberg Philanthropies has committed $26.4 million to ASHS as part of its $250 million initiative to launch healthcare focused CTE high schools in 10 communities across the country.
The Education Lead for Bloomberg Philanthropies, Howard Wolfson, said ASHS will play an important role in the future of healthcare.
“We are proud to support the bold vision of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences,” Wolfson said. “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.”
Gov. Ivey revealed that Demopolis native Dr. Selwyn Vickers has agreed to serve as Special Advisor to ASHS and its supporting Foundation. Dr. Vickers, M.D., FACS, has served since 2022 as president and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York, recognized as one of the world’s leading cancer centers.
ASHS will be a residential campus. It will become the fourth free, state-supported residential specialty school under the Alabama State Department of Education, joining high-performing programs in fine arts, math/science and cyber technology/engineering. It is the only school in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ national 10-school partnership being built entirely from the ground up.
The school is scheduled to open in August 2026 at a temporary campus on the grounds of the University of West Alabama in Livingston while construction proceeds in Demopolis toward an August 2027 opening. Students will live and learn together in a residential environment, emphasizing hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications and direct access both to higher education and immediate healthcare careers.
Final decisions on healthcare focus areas and curriculum are expected soon, paving the way for faculty and staff recruitment. Applications have opened.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Admissions will start for rising 9th grade students at first, expending each year. There is no tuition because it is a state-funded school. Students would pay for meals and activities, but financial assistance is available.
