AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES IN OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Azzinaro and 5 co-sponsors

Provides $100k to fund out-of-school time programs focused on youth mental health, through competitive grants and trauma-informed, SEL-based activities.

04/28/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Purpose

HB 7501 aims to bolster the mental health and emotional well-being of children and youth by investing in out-of-school time (OST) programs. The bill treats OST settings as essential community-based spaces that provide connection, stability, and resilience, particularly amid heightened needs and reduced public supports.

Key Provisions

1) Establishment and Scope

Creates Chapter 117 in Title 16 (Education) to be known as the "Building Opportunities in Out-of-School Time" act.

Applies to OST programs serving students in kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12), whether community-based or school-affiliated.

2) Eligible Uses of Funds

OST funds may be used for a range of activities and supports, including:
- Mental health first aid training, trauma-informed practices, and related learning opportunities for OST staff, youth leaders, volunteers, caregivers, or partners.
- Development and implementation of peer support groups, mentoring, restorative practices, and youth-led initiatives that foster belonging and emotional well-being.
- Materials, curricula, or resources promoting mental health awareness, social-emotional learning, coping skills, and resilience.
- Program-based mental health projects, workshops, enrichment activities, or creative expressions integrating wellness and prevention.
- Other innovative, community-informed, or culturally responsive approaches aligned with youth mental health and early identification of needs.

3) Funding and Allocation (Fiscal Year 2026–2027)

Appropriates $100,000 in the FY 2026–2027 budget to support OST mental health and well-being initiatives.

Administration: Funds are to be managed by the appropriate state agency or a designated statewide intermediary with expertise in OST systems, youth development, and equitable grantmaking. Ideally, the Rhode Island After School Network would serve as the intermediary.

Grant Process: Funds will be awarded through a competitive process to qualified OST programs, prioritizing those serving youth with high levels of demonstrated need and ensuring geographic and program diversity (urban, suburban, rural).

4) Reporting

The administering entity must submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing:

Number of OST programs funded and youth served.
Geographic distribution of funded programs.
A summary of funded activities and observed outcomes.

Potential Impact

Provides targeted resources to enhance mental health supports in OST settings, which can complement school-day supports.

Encourages evidence-informed practices and staff development in trauma-informed care and SEL.

Aims to improve access to mental health resources for youth in diverse communities by prioritizing high-need populations and geographic diversity.

Establishes accountability through annual reporting to track program reach, activities, and outcomes.

Administrative and Oversight Considerations

With a relatively modest initial appropriation ($100k), the impact will depend on the breadth of eligible programs applying and the effectiveness of the competitive grant process.

Success hinges on the intermediary’s ability to administer funds equitably and to capture meaningful outcome data for reporting.

Bill