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SB 2452

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 9 co-sponsors

Funds $100,000 to strengthen youth mental health in OST programs via trauma-informed practices, mentoring, SEL, and community-based supports with annual reporting.

06/11/2026 Senate read and passed
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Bill Summary · SB 2452

Summary: SB 2452 (Rhode Island) — Building Opportunities in Out-of-School Time (OST)

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes a dedicated program to support the mental health and emotional well-being of children and youth by investing in out-of-school time (OST) settings.
  • Recognizes OST programs as essential, community-based spaces that provide connection, stability, and resilience, especially amid reduced public supports and rising mental health needs.
  • Aims to supplement, not replace, school-day supports, by strengthening existing OST programs and community-based systems.

Key Provisions

  • Short Title: The act may be cited as "Building Opportunities in Out-of-School Time" (Chapter 117 in Title 16).

  • Eligible Use of Funds (16-117-2):

    • Funds may support evidence-informed initiatives in OST programs serving K–12 students.
    • Allowable uses include:
    • Mental health first aid training, trauma-informed practices, and related staff/volunteer learning opportunities.
    • Peer support groups, mentoring, restorative practices, and youth-led initiatives to foster belonging and well-being.
    • Development or procurement of materials and curricula on mental health, SEL (social-emotional learning), coping skills, and resilience.
    • Program-based mental health projects, workshops, enrichment activities, or wellness-integrated programming.
    • Other innovative, community-informed, or culturally responsive approaches that support youth mental health, early identification of need, and connection to supports.
    • Funds must be used flexibly to meet local needs while maintaining developmentally appropriate, inclusive practices.

  • Funding and Allocation (16-117-3):

    • Amount: $100,000 is appropriated for Fiscal Year 2026–2027 to carry out the chapter’s purposes.
    • Administration: Funds to be administered 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).
    • Grant Process: Funds awarded through a competitive process to qualified OST programs.
    • Priorities:
    • Prioritize programs serving youth with high demonstrated need.
    • Ensure distribution across multiple programs.
    • Promote geographic diversity (urban, suburban, rural).

  • Reporting (16-117-4):

    • The administering entity must submit an annual report to the General Assembly.
    • Report should include:
    • Number of OST programs and youth served.
    • Geographic distribution of funded programs.
    • Summary of funded activities and observed outcomes.

Who Would Be Affected

  • OST programs serving K–12 students in Rhode Island, including school-affiliated and community-based programs.
  • Youth participants in OST settings benefiting from enhanced mental health supports and programming.
  • State agencies and intermediaries responsible for administering funds and reporting (ideally the Rhode Island After School Network).

Timeline and Process

  • Effective Date: Takes effect upon passage.
  • Funding Availability: Funds are appropriated for FY 2026–2027 (specific amount: $100,000).
  • Implementation: Competitive grant process guided by an administering entity with expertise in OST and equitable practices; annual reporting to the General Assembly.

Potential Impact

  • Strengthens mental health and emotional well-being supports for youth through OST programs.
  • Expands access to trauma-informed practices, mentoring, peer support, and SEL-focused resources outside the traditional school day.
  • Improves alignment between community-based OST activities and school-day supports, potentially increasing stability and connectedness for youth.
  • Provides data to lawmakers on OST reach, geographic distribution, and outcomes, informing future investments.

If you’d like, I can add a concise quick-reference checklist or a side-by-side comparison with existing Rhode Island OST funding programs.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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