WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SR 3216

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Burke and 7 co-sponsors

Rhode Island appropriates 500,000 for FY2026-27 to support Onward We Learn’s Rhode Island GEAR UP program, funding scholarships and operations to boost college access for first-gen

05/19/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 3216

Bill Overview

  • Bill: SR 3216 (Joint Resolution)
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Title: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO ONWARD WE LEARN IN SUPPORT OF RHODE ISLAND GEAR UP
  • Introduced: April 14, 2026
  • Referred To: Senate Finance
  • Sponsors: Senators Gallo, DiPalma, Tikoian, Ciccone, LaMountain, Felag, Burke, Gu; with co-sponsors Felag, LaMountain, Tikoian, DiPalma, Gallo, Ciccone, Burke, Gu

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution seeks to appropriate $500,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to Onward We Learn (OWL) to support Rhode Island GEAR UP operations and scholarships.
  • It aligns with Chapter 70 of Title 16 of Rhode Island General Laws, which emphasizes investment in college access and success programs to improve educational outcomes and economic development.
  • The goal is to increase college access and success for Rhode Island students, particularly those who would be first in their families to attend college.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Allocation: A one-time appropriation of $500,000 charged to funds in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for FY 2026-2027.
  • Purpose of Funds:
    • Support the Rhode Island GEAR UP program administered through Onward We Learn (OWL) in partnership with the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner.
    • Fund program operations and scholarships under the Rhode Island GEAR UP initiative.
  • Scholarships:
    • OWL, through the Rhode Island GEAR UP program, provides scholarships of up to $4,500 per year for up to four years, redeemable at any Rhode Island higher education institution.
  • History and Context:
    • OWL’s mission includes helping Rhode Island students become first-generation college students through middle school and high school programs in academics, socio-emotional development, career education, and college preparation.
    • Since inception, OWL has contributed over $55,000,000 in scholarships to an estimated 13,500 students.
    • In 2024, the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner received a seven-year federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education and sub-granted funds to OWL. The GEAR UP grant requires a non-federal match, with annual appropriations by the General Assembly as the state share.
  • Compliance and Authority:
    • The appropriation is made in accordance with the statute requiring the General Assembly to provide the state match for the GEAR UP program.
    • The State Controller is authorized to draw payments upon authenticated vouchers.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Primary Beneficiary: Onward We Learn (OWL) and the Rhode Island GEAR UP program participants.
  • Direct Beneficiaries: Rhode Island students, particularly those who are first-generation college students, who participate in middle school and high school programs and are eligible for GEAR UP scholarships.
  • Funding Stakeholders: Rhode Island beneficiaries of the GEAR UP program; Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner (partner agency); the State Treasurer/Controller for disbursement.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative Path:
    • Introduced in the Senate on April 14, 2026.
    • Referred to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.
    • Scheduled for hearing/consideration as of May 15, 2026.
  • Fiscal Year Coverage:
    • The appropriation is for the fiscal year 2026-2027.
  • Payment Mechanism:
    • Payments to OWL through the general treasury, initiated by the State Controller upon proper vouchers.

Potential Impact

  • Financial: Provides $500,000 in state funding to bolster the Rhode Island GEAR UP program and associated scholarships for eligible students.
  • Educational Outcomes: Supports college access and success initiatives, potentially increasing college enrollment and degree attainment among Rhode Island students, consistent with evidence cited for OWL’s impact (historical programs improving college degree attainment rates).
  • Economic Development: Aims to strengthen the state's workforce through higher education attainment, aligning with legislative goals to enhance prosperity and quality of life.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to prior GEAR UP funding levels or pull together a one-page briefing for policymakers.

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

Sign in to ask a question.