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Bill

Bill

HB 307

"Dream Makers Program"; create as an after-school program for students in Grades 7 and 8.

2025 Regular Session

Mississippi bill proposing after-school "Dream Makers Program" for grades 7-8 died in committee without advancing to full consideration.

Died In Committee
0
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Bill Summary · HB 307

Legislative bill overview

HB 307 proposes creating the "Dream Makers Program," an after-school initiative specifically designed for seventh and eighth-grade students in Mississippi. The bill would establish a structured program during non-instructional hours to provide additional educational or developmental opportunities for this grade cohort.

Why is this important

Middle school years (grades 7-8) are critical for academic development and social-emotional growth, with research showing that quality after-school programs can improve attendance, academic performance, and reduce behavioral issues. The program could provide supervised activities for students during hours when they might otherwise lack adult supervision, potentially addressing youth engagement and achievement gaps across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism unclear: The bill's referral to both Education and Appropriations committees suggests cost concerns; no apparent dedicated funding source was specified, raising questions about budget impact during implementation
  • Program specifics undefined: The bill title mentions "Dream Makers" but provides no details on curriculum, activities, staffing qualifications, or measurable outcomes, making it difficult to assess effectiveness or feasibility
  • Limited scope: Targeting only grades 7-8 excludes elementary students who may benefit from after-school support and older students (9-12) who face different developmental needs, potentially creating gaps in comprehensive youth programming

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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