The bill amends the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship program to make students in workforce-ready certificate programs at the Community College of Rhode Island eligible for financial aid. Key provisions include the addition of definitions related to the scholarship program, specifically recognizing "accredited certificates" alongside associate degrees. The bill clarifies that students are expected to graduate with an accredited certificate or associate degree within two years of enrollment, while acknowledging that some professional programs may require an extended time period for completion.

Furthermore, the bill establishes new eligibility criteria, allowing students who enrolled in a postsecondary institution for only one semester to qualify for the scholarship if they subsequently enroll at the Community College of Rhode Island. It also permits students to defer their initial enrollment for one semester with an approved written request and reason. This act aims to enhance access to education for a broader range of students in Rhode Island. The act will take effect upon passage.