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SR 3222

SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL 16, 2026, TO BE "COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

Designates April 16, 2026 as Community College of Rhode Island Day to publicly recognize CCRI’s role in access, workforce development, and the state economy.

04/16/2026 Senate read and passed
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Bill Summary · SR 3222

Summary of Senate Resolution (SR 3222) – Rhode Island, 2026 Session

Title

Senate Resolution proclaiming April 16, 2026, to be "Community College of Rhode Island Day" in the State of Rhode Island.

Purpose and Intent

  • Officially designate a statewide observance recognizing the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and its contributions to Rhode Island’s higher education, workforce development, and economic vitality.
  • Highlight CCRI’s role as Rhode Island’s only public community college and its impact on access, completion, and regional economic growth.

Key Provisions

  • Proclamation: The Rhode Island Senate proclaims April 16, 2026, as "Community College of Rhode Island Day" in the State of Rhode Island.
  • Communication: Authorizes the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to the President of CCRI.

Background and Context Included in the Resolution

The resolution provides a detailed overview of CCRI, including:
- Establishment and role: CCRI (established in 1964) as Rhode Island’s primary public community college and a cornerstone of the state’s higher education and workforce system.
- Mission and impact: Emphasis on accessible, affordable, high-quality education; pathways to academic achievement, career advancement, and lifelong opportunity.
- Leadership: Note on leadership under President Rosemary A. Costigan (appointed June 18, 2025), highlighting her status as the first CCRI alumna to serve as president.
- Student success initiatives: Guided pathways, year-round learning opportunities, enhanced academic advising, and data-informed supports aimed at improving retention and graduation rates.
- Economic and workforce role: CCRI as a key engine for workforce development across sectors (healthcare, advanced manufacturing, construction trades, IT, and emerging industries) with strong industry and labor partnerships.
- Transfer pathways: CCRI’s role in providing affordable transfer options to four-year institutions.
- Economic impact: CCRI’s contribution of nearly $900 million annually to Rhode Island’s economy and support for more than 11,000 jobs (roughly 1 in 60 Rhode Island jobs).
- Value to state: CCRI is highlighted for its return on investment, with graduates entering the workforce quickly and often with favorable debt-to-earnings outcomes.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary: Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and its leadership, faculty, students, and alumni.
  • Secondary: State residents and employers who benefit from CCRI’s workforce development programs, training, and transfer pathways.
  • Government/State: Secretary of State (to stamp and transmit the proclamation to CCRI President).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and sponsors: Introduced April 16, 2026, with multiple sponsors from both legislative leadership and committees.
  • Referral: Referred to the Committee on Recommended for Immediate Consideration (per the action history).
  • Status: In the 2026 session, the Senate passed the resolution and recommended it for immediate consideration on April 16, 2026.
  • Effect: Once enacted as a resolution, it serves as an official state proclamation recognizing CCRI and directing the Secretary of State to deliver a copy to CCRI’s President.

Observations

  • This is a ceremonial/recognition measure rather than substantive policy changes or appropriations.
  • The resolution emphasizes CCRI’s recent leadership and ongoing impact on education and the Rhode Island economy.
  • It serves to publicly acknowledge CCRI’s contributions and reinforce its role in state workforce development and higher education access.

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

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