Hope Program; establish and develop system to re-enroll high school dropouts in programs leading to a high school diploma.

HB 163 establishes Mississippi's HOPE Program, administered by the State Department of Education, to help high school dropouts (up to age 21) earn diplomas. It provides grants to school districts based on their proportion of statewide dropouts, requiring districts to develop approved HOPE Plans involving community partners. Programs must include small class sizes (70-100 students), mentorship, flexible scheduling (evening/online/summer classes), dual enrollment with community colleges, and support services like career training. The bill ensures dropouts meet their district's diploma requirements while creating structured pathways to graduation through district-operated or contracted programs.