Press Release: Groundbreaking Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Set to Open in Demopolis
Demopolis, AL – The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences (ASHS), a groundbreaking public high school aimed at cultivating future healthcare professionals, is set to break ground next year with a $62 million campus approved by the foundation board overseeing its financing. The proposal, initiated by Governor Kay Ivey in 2023 and backed by state legislators in 2024, marks the introduction of Alabama’s fourth residential high school.
Birmingham-based Brasfield and Gorrie has been selected as the general contractor and construction manager for the expansive 10-acre campus, which will include an academic building, residential hall, dining facilities, a 400-seat auditorium, and a recreational building. The plot of land has been generously donated by the city of Demopolis and is conveniently situated near Whitfield Regional Hospital, facilitating valuable training opportunities for students.
Foundation President Kirk Stephens expressed confidence in Brasfield and Gorrie’s proven track record, stating, “They are up to the demands of this project and the hard timelines that must be met.” Caldwell Associates will serve as the project architect.
The first phase of the campus is expected to be completed by fall 2027. Initially serving students on a temporary campus at the University of West Alabama, ASHS will ultimately accommodate around 400 students in grades 9-12. Notably, the school is designed to address Alabama’s healthcare workforce shortage, particularly in rural areas.
Funding for the project includes $15 million from the state legislature and $26.4 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies, while ongoing fundraising efforts aim to secure an additional $24 million.
"This tuition-free school is vital for training and retaining healthcare workers in Alabama, ensuring that we meet the needs of our communities,” stated Stephens. The project has garnered support despite initial skepticism about its rural location, following a feasibility study that confirmed the decision.
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