This legislation is expected to have a significant impact on state laws regarding educational scholarships. By expanding eligibility requirements, the bill supports a more inclusive approach to post-secondary education. The amendments will provide funding opportunities for students who have served in the military or who face personal challenges, thus potentially increasing enrollment at CCRI. This aligns with statewide educational goals to improve access and support for vulnerable populations, enhancing workforce development and community growth in Rhode Island.
Summary
House Bill 7635, known as the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship Act, aims to amend existing educational law to enhance access to scholarship funding for students attending the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). The bill specifically addresses the eligibility criteria for receiving the scholarship, intending to support students who may otherwise encounter barriers to higher education. It proposes to ensure that a wider range of students, including those with military commitments and disabilities, can benefit from this financial aid program, thereby promoting accessibility in education.
Contention
Notably, the bill acknowledges the challenges faced by non-traditional students, including those in the National Guard or reserve units, ensuring that they are not penalized for military service when pursuing scholarship funding. The inclusion of students with disabilities further emphasizes a commitment to equity in education. However, there may be discussions around funding sustainability for the scholarship program, especially as increased access may require additional resources. Critics may also raise concerns regarding potential strains on state budgets associated with expanding financial aid programs.
Makes students in workforce-ready certificate programs at the Community College of Rhode Island eligible to receive the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship.
Makes students in workforce-ready certificate programs at the Community College of Rhode Island eligible to receive the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship.
To create the Alabama Fits All Scholarship Program; require the State Board of Education to contract with a program manager to administer the program; to authorize the program manager to establish scholarship accounts on behalf of eligible students; to prohibit a program manager from accepting scholarship funds in certain circumstances; to require fiscal safeguards and accountability measures; to require eligible schools and service providers to meet certain standards to be eligible to receive scholarship funds; to authorize the program manager to distribute scholarship funds; to require the State Board of Education to provide limited oversight of the program manager, including an appeal process for the program manager's administrative decisions; to prohibit certain regulations of eligible schools and eligible service providers; to require criminal history background information checks for employees and officers of a program manager; to provide for program funding; and to require the program manager and the board to submit reports on the program to the Legislature.