The bill amends the "Department of Children, Youth and Families’ Higher Education Opportunity Incentive Grant" program by revising the administration and eligibility criteria. The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) is now required to annually notify, identify, and outreach to youth in its legal custody starting at age 14 and until they exit care, regarding their potential eligibility for the Higher Education Opportunity Incentive Grant. The bill removes the previous requirement for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to assist in identifying eligible youth. The grant amount is to supplement other financial aid and can cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, books, academic support, transportation, food, and housing. The bill also specifies that the grant amount will be determined based on the unmet need calculated in accordance with federal and state laws and the institution's policies. Additionally, the bill introduces a Workforce Development Incentive Grant with similar funding provisions.

Eligibility for the Higher Education Opportunity Incentive Grant now requires youth to have been in foster care in Rhode Island for at least six months after their 14th birthday, retain eligibility through the academic year they turn 23, graduate from high school or equivalent, enroll in and make satisfactory progress in a degree program at specified Rhode Island institutions, and complete financial aid requirements. The Workforce Development Incentive Grant has similar eligibility criteria but is specifically for enrollment in a workforce development program at the Community College of Rhode Island. Youth are only eligible for one of the grants per academic year, and those adopted or placed in guardianship through the department after their 16th birthday are also eligible. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7905  SUB A: 42-72.8-2