Bill > S1042

This bill expands the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship to include students pursuing accredited certificate programs at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). The bill modifies existing scholarship definitions and eligibility requirements to explicitly include certificate program students alongside traditional associate degree seekers. Key changes include updating language to reference both "accredited certificates or associate degrees" throughout the legislation, allowing students to be considered "on track to graduate" in certificate programs, and providing the same financial aid benefits - which cover two years of tuition and mandatory fees less other financial aid. The bill also adds additional flexible provisions for scholarship eligibility, such as allowing students to defer initial enrollment for one semester with an approved written request, permitting students who attended a postsecondary institution for only one semester to still qualify, and maintaining existing accommodations for students with disabilities, military service members, and those with medical or personal circumstances that might interrupt their studies. The expanded scholarship aims to support more students in workforce-ready educational pathways at CCRI, with the goal of helping recipients live, work, or continue their education in Rhode Island after completing their program.

Budget and Finance

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