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7/29/2026
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Law that grants Eagle Scouts, Gold Award recipients automatic admission to colleges is ceremonially signed
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 STATE HOUSE — Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian and Rep. Tina L. Spears joined Gov. Dan McKee at the State House today as the governor ceremonially signed a law that grants Eagle Scouts and Girl Scout Gold Award recipients automatic admission to the state’s public colleges and universities.
“The rigors, labors, commitment and dedication that define an Eagle Scout or a Gold Award recipient are unique among America’s youth,” said Senator Tikoian (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, Lincoln, North Providence). “It’s difficult for anyone outside the Scouting world to fathom the time and energy that goes into the process of obtaining Scouting’s highest honors. Now more than ever the world needs these individuals to lead a new generation, and the least we can do is make sure that the doors of our public institutions are open wide to them.”
The law (2026-S 2432A, 2026-H 7416A) applies to any Rhode Island resident who has earned the rank of Eagle Scout from Scouting America or the Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of the USA and meets all minimum application submission requirements of the institution.
“Becoming an Eagle Scout or earning a Gold Award are among the most vigorous and intensive accomplishments that any young person can achieve,” said Representative Spears (D-Dist. 36, Charlestown, Westerly, South Kingstown, New Shoreham). “It shows a commitment to hard work, leadership, networking and logistics — all qualities we want in our workforce. It would serve our state well to keep these successful young adults in our state by guaranteeing them acceptance in our public colleges.”
“Gold Award and Eagle are the highest honors in Girl Scouts and Scouting America, formerly known as Boy Scouts,” said Dana Borelli-Murray, chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England. “They have existed over a century and are earned by fewer than 2 percent of all Girl Scouts and 6% of all Scouting America members nationwide. Our highest award members are among the most motivated, community-focused, and academically prepared students graduating from Rhode Island high schools. This bill codifies into law a commitment to incentivize our state’s best and brightest to stay local. This commitment will also result in more youth completing these thousands of hours of community service for our state — public work that lives on beyond their projects.”
IN PHOTO: From left, Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian and Rep. Tina L. Spears.
For more information, contact:
Tristan Grau, Publicist
State House Room B20
Providence, RI 02903
401.222.4935
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