Bill would make Hope Scholarship permanent at Rhode Island College

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Proposed legislation would make the Hope Scholarship at Rhode Island College a permanent program, following early results that show strong student participation and success.

Representative Joseph M. McNamara introduced bill, 2026-H 8336, which would remove the pilot program’s expiration date and keep the scholarship in place long term.

Program covers final two years of tuition

Rep. McNamara, chair of the House Committee on Education, first proposed the program in 2023, and it was enacted into law by the General Assembly later that year.

It covers two years of tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students during their junior and senior years at Rhode Island College.

The new bill would make the program permanent, similar to the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship at the Community College of Rhode Island

Early results show strong performance

State data shows the program has had a strong start.

In its first year:

• 357 students were eligible
• 245 received the scholarship
• Others received grants that covered costs

Students in the program also showed strong academic performance.

Nearly all participants passed their fall courses, and most stayed enrolled through the spring semester.

Designed to keep students on track

The scholarship targets a key point in a student’s college career.

Lawmakers say junior and senior years can be the most difficult, as students balance school, work and rising costs.

The program aims to reduce financial pressure and help students finish their degrees on time.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify, students must:

• Be eligible for in-state tuition
• Be enrolled full-time and declare a major
• Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA
• Stay on track to graduate on time
• Commit to living, working or continuing education in Rhode Island after graduation

Goal is to boost graduation and workforce

Supporters say the scholarship helps more students attend college and complete degrees.

They also say it strengthens Rhode Island’s workforce by encouraging graduates to stay in the state.