The proposed bill introduces a new chapter, CHAPTER 117, titled "Building Opportunities in Out-of-School Time," to Title 16 of the General Laws concerning education. The primary purpose of this chapter is to provide funding to support comprehensive and effective afterschool, school vacation, summer learning, and workforce development programming for students in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12). It aims to provide specialized training for staff employed by out-of-school time (OST) programs, promote community engagement, and address chronic absenteeism. The General Assembly is mandated to allocate no less than four million dollars ($4,000,000) in the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget for these initiatives.

The bill outlines the allocation and eligibility criteria for funding, specifying that the Rhode Island Afterschool Network, through its fiscal sponsor, the Rhode Island Foundation, shall allocate no less than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for professional development and no less than three million five hundred thousand dollars ($3,500,000) to create a competitive request for proposals process for funding each fiscal year. Programs must adhere to the Rhode Island afterschool quality standards and indicators to qualify for funding, with priority given to those supporting equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, particularly for low-income families, youth with disabilities, multi-language learners, and those with limited access to local programs and services. The Rhode Island Afterschool Network is also required to send a written report to the General Assembly and the Governor no later than December 31 of each year on the status and progress of the programs authorized by this chapter.