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 the scholarship. Key changes include the addition of definitions for terms such as "accredited certificate," which clarifies eligibility criteria. The scholarship program will now cover costs associated with obtaining an accredited certificate or associate degree.

The bill specifies that students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater and remain on track to graduate within two years, although it recognizes that some professional programs may require an extended time period. It also introduces provisions for students who have previously enrolled in a postsecondary institution for only one semester, allowing them to qualify for the scholarship if they subsequently enroll at the Community College of Rhode Island.

Additionally, the bill allows students to defer initial enrollment for one semester with an approved written request and reason. The act will take effect upon passage, expanding access to financial aid for a broader range of students in the state.