MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO ONWARD WE LEARN IN SUPPORT OF, RHODE ISLAND GEAR UP
Summary
S3216 is a joint resolution that appropriates $500,000 from the state treasury for fiscal year 2026-2027 to Onward We Learn in support of Rhode Island GEAR UP. The resolution ties the appropriation to Rhode Island’s existing college access and success efforts, noting that the state’s Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner receives the federal GEAR UP grant and partners with Onward We Learn to deliver programming and scholarship operations.
The bill’s stated purpose is to help fund college access, academic enrichment, career education, and postsecondary preparation for Rhode Island students, especially those who are first in their families to attend college. It also emphasizes the scholarship component of the program, which can provide up to $4,500 per year for four years at Rhode Island higher education institutions, and cites the program’s long-term outcomes and the state’s obligation to meet the federal non-federal match requirement.
Impact
If enacted, the resolution would add a $500,000 state appropriation for Onward We Learn and support Rhode Island’s share of the GEAR UP program’s required match. It would not create a new regulatory scheme, but it would affect state budgeting and the funding level for college access services and scholarships administered through the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner and Onward We Learn under Rhode Island General Law § 16-70-5.
Sentiment
The bill appears generally favorable and supportive of higher education access, workforce preparation, and scholarship assistance. The findings section presents the program as effective and beneficial, citing research on improved degree attainment and the amount of scholarship aid already distributed. No committee transcript or recorded vote information was provided, so there is no documented opposition or formal debate in the supplied materials.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is fiscal: the resolution requires a $500,000 state appropriation during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Any concern would likely center on the use of general funds for a program that already receives federal support, and on whether the state should continue or expand its annual match obligation. The bill text itself does not identify opponents or specific objections, and no recorded committee discussion was provided.
Requires any remaining funds in the enacted budget from the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship program or the Rhode Island Hope Scholarship program to be reimbursed to the onward we learn for any scholarships paid on behalf of Rhode Island College students.
Requires any remaining funds in the enacted budget from the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship program or the Rhode Island Hope Scholarship program to be reimbursed to the onward we learn for any scholarships paid on behalf of Rhode Island College students.
JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $10,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT PUBLIC EDUCATION (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of ten million dollars ($10,000,000) to the Rhode Island Foundation, to generate funds to support public education.)
JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND FOOD BANK (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $450,000 to the Rhode Island Food Bank.)
JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND FOR THE 2-1-1 HUMAN SERVICES HOTLINE (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to the United Way of Rhode Island to provide operational support for the 2-1-1 system.)
JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND FOR THE 2-1-1 HUMAN SERVICES HOTLINE (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to the United Way of Rhode Island to provide operational support for the 2-1-1 system.)
JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $450,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND FOOD BANK (This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $450,000 to the Rhode Island Food Bank.)