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" and "student with a disability," which clarify eligibility and requirements for scholarship recipients. The bill specifies that the scholarship will cover tuition and mandatory fees for students pursuing accredited certificates or associate degrees.
Eligibility criteria for the scholarship are detailed, including the requirement to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and maintain a minimum GPA. The bill also introduces provisions for students who may have enrolled in other postsecondary institutions or who wish to defer their enrollment for one semester, allowing them to qualify for the scholarship. Overall, these amendments aim to broaden access to the scholarship program for a diverse range of students.