The proposed bill introduces a new chapter, "Building Opportunities in Out-of-School Time," to Title 16 of the General Laws, aimed at providing funding to support comprehensive and effective afterschool, school vacation, summer learning, and workforce development programs for students in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12). The bill mandates the allocation of no less than four million dollars ($4,000,000) in the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget to invest in targeted professional development for staff in out-of-school time (OST) programs, program assessments to ensure strong outcomes for youth, and workforce development funding to train and retain high-quality youth development professionals.

The Rhode Island Afterschool Network, through its fiscal sponsor, the Rhode Island Foundation, is required to allocate a minimum of 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. Funding will be prioritized for programs that support 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.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of community engagement and aims to impact chronic absenteeism among students. It requires the Rhode Island Afterschool Network to consult with key stakeholders, including the Department of Education and the Department of Human Services, to maximize the criteria for the provision of services. Finally, the Rhode Island Afterschool Network must send a written report to the General Assembly and the Governor by December 31 of each year on the status and progress of the programs authorized by this chapter.