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HR 7811

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO ONWARD WE LEARN IN SUPPORT OF RHODE ISLAND GEAR UP

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karen Alzate and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island would appropriate 500,000 to Onward We Learn to support Rhode Island GEAR UP operations and scholarships, backing the program’s federal match.

04/30/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HR 7811

Summary of HR 7811 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Title

Joint Resolution: Making an appropriation of $500,000 to Onward We Learn in support of Rhode Island GEAR UP

Purpose and Intent

  • Provide state funding to support Rhode Island GEAR UP operations and scholarships administered by Onward We Learn (OWL), a partner of the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner (OIPC) under the U.S. Department of Education GEAR UP program.
  • Align with existing Chapter 70 findings that emphasize investing in college access, readiness, and career/technical training to enhance economic development and quality of life.
  • Enhance college access and success for Rhode Island students, particularly those who would be first in their families to attend college.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Appropriation: The bill would appropriate $500,000 from the state treasury (fiscal year 2026-2027) to Onward We Learn for Rhode Island GEAR UP operations and scholarships.
  • Authorized Use: Funds are to support the Rhode Island GEAR UP operations and scholarship program managed by Onward We Learn under the federal GEAR UP grant framework.
  • Matching Requirement: The Rhode Island GEAR UP grant involves a dollar-for-dollar non-federal match; the bill treats this appropriation as the state’s share to support the required match.
  • Administration and Payment: The state controller is authorized to issue payment orders upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers, meaning reimbursement and disbursement would follow normal financial procedures.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Primary Beneficiary: Onward We Learn, which administers the Rhode Island GEAR UP program in partnership with the OIPC.
  • Students: Rhode Island students participating in GEAR UP programming (middle school through high school) who receive program services, career preparation, and postsecondary scholarships.
  • Higher Education Financing: The program provides scholarships up to $4,500 per year for up to four years per student, usable at any Rhode Island higher education institution.
  • State Programs/Finance: The Rhode Island General Assembly’s appropriation controls the state’s contributions toward non-federal match requirements for the GEAR UP grant.

Financial and Procedural Details

  • Amount: $500,000.
  • Fiscal Year: 2026-2027.
  • Source: General Fund (or “money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated”).
  • Payment Mechanism: Reimbursement to Onward We Learn upon submission of vouchers; standard controls apply via the state treasurer/controller.
  • Legislative History: Introduced February 12, 2026; referred to House Finance; committee recommended holding for further study as of April 30, 2026.

Background Context

  • GEAR UP: A federal program designed to increase college access and success by providing early awareness, academic preparation, and financial support (including scholarships) to students from low-income families and other underserved groups.
  • Onward We Learn: A Rhode Island nonprofit partner that designs and delivers programmatic and scholarship operations for the state’s GEAR UP initiative, with a track record of improving college enrollment and degree attainment among participants.

Significance

  • The resolution formalizes state financial support for a proven college-access program, reinforcing Rhode Island’s efforts to improve higher education attainment, reduce cost barriers, and strengthen the future workforce.
  • By securing the state’s share of the GEAR UP match, the bill aims to sustain ongoing federal funding and program operations.

If you’d like, I can compare this proposal to prior GEAR UP funding levels or outline potential fiscal implications and reporting requirements associated with this appropriation.

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

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