Requires any remaining funds in the enacted budget from the RI promise scholarship program or the RI hope scholarship program, after Rhode Island college has satisfied all eligible scholarships to be reimbursed to onward we learn.
Impact
The implications of S2094 on state laws are significant as it modifies how scholarship funds are allocated and used. By establishing a pathway for leftover funds from established scholarship programs to support the Onward We Learn initiative, the bill not only solidifies educational funding but also aligns with broader state objectives to promote higher education. This legislative approach reinforces the state's commitment to provide educational opportunities while addressing financial limitations that may hinder student access to college.
Summary
Bill S2094, known as 'The Onward We Learn Scholarship Act', seeks to enhance the funding mechanisms for scholarships supporting students attending Rhode Island colleges. Specifically, the bill allows remaining funds in the enacted budgets from the Rhode Island Promise and Hope scholarship programs to be reimbursed to the Onward We Learn program, thus ensuring seamless financial support for students who might benefit from it. This adjustment is aimed at reinforcing higher education accessibility and places emphasis on the necessity of financial backing for educational initiatives.
Contention
Debate surrounding S2094 could center on funding priorities within the state’s education budget. Proponents may argue that reallocating unspent funds enhances the overall support structure for students, enabling them to pursue higher education without undue financial burden. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about the adequacy of funding for existing scholarship programs and whether this bill diverts critical resources away from other educational initiatives or scholarships that serve different purposes.
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.
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.
Extends the time for which a student may enroll in the community college of Rhode Island Promise Scholarship program to one year after the student's high school graduation.
Authorizes the office of postsecondary commissioner to expand bilingual and dual language teacher certificates in urban schools through two scholarship programs for students and teachers, with eligibility requirements and donations.
Authorizes the office of postsecondary commissioner to expand bilingual and dual language teacher certificates in urban schools through two scholarship programs for students and teachers, with eligibility requirements and donations.
Establishes a new program where the per pupil funding, calculated annually by RIDE, would be transferred into a newly created educational funding account run by the children's scholarship fund to pay for educational expenses.
Expanding student eligibility under the tax credit for low income students scholarship program, increasing the amount of the tax credit for contributions made pursuant to such program and providing for aggregate tax credit limit increases under certain conditions.
Requires public institutions of higher education to provide student-athletes who lose athletic scholarships because of injuries sustained while participating in athletic program with equivalent scholarships.
"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.