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6/10/2025
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Senate OKs Gu bill to include certificate programs in R.I. Promise scholarship
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STATE HOUSE – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Victoria Gu to expand the Rhode Island Promise scholarship to cover students working toward workforce-ready certificate programs at the Community College of Rhode Island.
“The Promise Scholarship should recognize and support students pursuing workforce certificates, not just associate degrees, as many high-demand jobs require short-term, skills-based training. CCRI’s certificate programs — such as the teaching assistant course offered in partnership with sites like the Westerly Education Center — prepare students for in-demand jobs quickly and affordably,” said Senator Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown), whose district includes CCRI’s Westerly Education Center.
The Rhode Island Promise scholarship provides up to two years of free tuition at CCRI to in-state students who enroll full time the year immediately following their graduation from high school or their receipt of a GED diploma earned prior to their 19th birthday.
In addition to including students who are working toward workforce-ready certificates, the bill (2025-S 1042) would also allow the scholarship to cover students who initially enroll at another institution after high school, but transfer to CCRI by the start of the second semester of their freshman year, and would provide leeway to allow students to remain in the program if they defer initial enrollment for one semester with an approved written request and reason.
The bill now goes to the House, where Rep. Samuel A. Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly ) is sponsoring companion legislation (2025-H 6139).
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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