MISSISSIPPI STATE -- For the seventh year in a row, Mississippi State University and the state's community colleges are teaming up to encourage bright high school seniors to consider a medical profession in Mississippi.

The intense, five-week Rural Medical Scholars summer program at MSU aims to identify the state's future primary care doctors and help them become members of the medical school class of 2013.

"We need to develop a pipeline of future medical providers," said Bonnie Carew, rural health policy coordinator for MSU's Extension Service. "As the state's population continues to grow, the concern for adequate health care increases as well."

The program is sponsored by the Mississippi Rural Health Corps, a joint effort of MSU's Extension Service and the state's 15 community and junior colleges. Thirty students with an ACT composite score of at least 25 will take two pre-med courses on the Starkville campus -- zoology and college algebra -- and observe doctors at practice from July 5 until Aug. 6.

The selected Scholars will receive tuition, housing and meals during the program. A $35 registration fee is required. Each of the state's community and junior colleges will select and sponsor candidates from their districts.

Applications are due by April 22. Late applications will be accepted as space allows until May 14 for students awaiting April 3 ACT scores. Contact a high school guidance counselor or the nearest community college for more information or an application. Applications and program details are available online at http://www.RMS.msucares.com.