"African-American Male Success Academy"; require the SDE to establish to cultivate diversity of social skills and academic success.

HB 194 would require Mississippi's State Department of Education, in partnership with higher education and human services agencies, to create the "African-American Male Success Academy" for public school students in kindergarten through grade 8. The program would be a one-semester course using culturally responsive teaching to help educators recognize and support the social and academic needs of young African-American male students. Key provisions include mandatory components like social studies lessons affirming African-American history, literature, interactions with community authority figures (including law enforcement), mental health resources, and activities to build racial pride and academic identity. Students would complete tasks designed to overcome barriers to achievement and develop a "scholar identity," with the program set to begin in the 2026-2027 school year.