The "Rhode Island Hope Scholarship Pilot Program Act" establishes a scholarship program to increase the number of students enrolling in and completing four-year degrees and certificates at Rhode Island College. The program will provide financial assistance to students in high-need fields and aims to determine the success of a scholarship program modeled on the promise scholarship program. The bill also inserts new legal language into current law regarding the college crusade scholarship act and establishes eligibility requirements for a merit-based tuition reduction scholarship at Rhode Island College.

The Hope Scholarship will cover the cost of up to two years of tuition and mandatory fees for junior and senior students or adult students who have attained at least sixty credit hours. The awards will be reduced by the amount of federal and other financial aid received by the student. The bill includes eligibility requirements, reporting and disbursement requirements for Rhode Island College, and allows for charitable donations to the scholarship program. The act will take effect on July 1, 2023, and expire on January 1, 2029.

Statutes affected:
77: 16-59-9