2026 -- H 8290

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING PROVIDENCE PROMISE FOR ITS OUTSTANDING

     WORK EXPANDING COLLEGE SAVINGS, FAMILY ENGAGEMENT, AND

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS IN PROVIDENCE

     Introduced By: Representatives DeSimone, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale,
Slater, Morales, Batista, Kennedy, Tanzi, and Ajello

     Date Introduced: March 12, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, The rising cost of higher education continues to create significant financial

barriers for families across the nation and here in Providence, making early planning and

meaningful financial support more important than ever; and

     WHEREAS, Providence Promise is Rhode Island’s only nonprofit organization solely

dedicated to promoting early college planning and savings beginning as early as birth for

Providence public and charter school students; and

     WHEREAS, Providence Promise partners with families to open and manage 529 college

savings accounts, provides a $100 seed deposit for each enrolled student, and offers one of the

most robust incentive programs in the country, allowing students to earn up to $3,000 per year in

deposits for positive educational engagement and achievement; and

     WHEREAS, Through academic enrichment opportunities, college and career readiness

activities, financial literacy education, socio-emotional development programming, and bilingual

family engagement services, Providence Promise fosters a strong college-going culture among

historically underserved communities; and

     WHEREAS, Providence Promise has grown significantly in recent years and now serves

nearly 1,300 students from approximately 700 families, has helped families collectively save

more than $2 million toward higher education, and maintains an extraordinary student retention

rate exceeding 97 percent; and

     WHEREAS, Since 2020, Providence Promise has invested hundreds of thousands of

dollars directly into students’ college savings accounts through its Early Scholarship Program,

reinforcing the connection between consistent educational engagement and long-term

postsecondary success; and

     WHEREAS, Providence Promise’s annual 529 Day Celebration and year-round

workshops and community events bring together students, families, educators, volunteers, and

community partners in a shared commitment to educational equity and economic opportunity; and

     WHEREAS, Providence Promise remains largely privately funded and continues to meet

growing demand for its services, demonstrating both the urgent need for and the transformative

impact of early college savings and family-centered support programs; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

proudly recognizes and commends Providence Promise for its innovative leadership, steadfast

dedication, and measurable impact in expanding access to higher education for the students and

families of Providence; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House expresses its sincere appreciation to the board of directors,

leadership, staff, volunteers, donors, and participating families of Providence Promise for their

unwavering commitment to building brighter futures and strengthening the economic vitality of

our state; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Providence Promise.

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