Early Commitment to College Program; establish in schools and districts assigned an "F" accountability rating.

HB 153 establishes the "Early Commitment to College Program" for Mississippi schools rated "F" by the state education board (designated as "College Opportunity Zones"). It requires all 6th-9th graders in these schools, and low-income students (eligible for free/reduced lunch) in other schools, to sign a "Save Me a Spot in College" pledge. Key provisions include a fee waiver for two or more years of public community/junior college or state university attendance upon program completion, annual reporting to the legislature, and collaboration with colleges to support students. The bill aims to increase college readiness and access for students in high-poverty schools, focusing on concrete policy changes like the pledge requirement and fee waiver.