Makes students in workforce-ready certificate programs at the community college of Rhode Island eligible to receive the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship.

## Summary of the Bill

This bill would expand Rhode Island's Promise Scholarship program to include students enrolled in workforce-ready certificate programs at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). Currently, the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship helps cover tuition costs for students pursuing associate's degrees at CCRI, but it does not extend to shorter-term certificate programs designed to prepare students for specific careers. This bill would change that by making certificate program students eligible for the same financial support.

Workforce-ready certificate programs are typically shorter than degree programs and focus on training students for specific jobs in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and skilled trades. By making students in these programs eligible for the Promise Scholarship, the bill aims to reduce financial barriers for Rhode Islanders who want to gain job-ready skills without necessarily pursuing a full two-year degree.

The bill would primarily affect Rhode Island residents who enroll in or are considering enrolling in certificate programs at CCRI. These students would potentially receive scholarship funding to help cover their tuition costs, similar to what current associate's degree students can receive. The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Finance Committee for further review.