The bill proposes the establishment of a Civic Apprenticeship Program under the Governor’s Workforce Board Rhode Island, as indicated by the insertion of a new section, 42-102-14, into Chapter 42-102 of the General Laws. The program is designed to provide recent high school graduates from Rhode Island with a one-year, paid work experience in state departments, offering meaningful learning opportunities to enhance their employability. The program will initially accept up to 20 participants starting January 1, 2026, with the potential to increase the number of participants based on the board's review of applicants and program capacity.

Key features of the program include the development of an application process for students in their twelfth grade, placement in jobs upon graduation or at the end of the post-graduation summer, and assignment to positions experiencing staffing declines or deemed essential to department operations. The program will provide necessary certifications or training at no cost to participants, be funded through an annual appropriation from general revenue, and participants will not count towards the department's full-time equivalent. The board will coordinate with departments to identify and list available positions, and may work with the Rhode Island Department of Education to promote the program. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.