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House Finance hears advocates and college leaders urge making HOPE Scholarship permanent
Summary
Witnesses and college officials told House Finance the HOPE Scholarship has increased retention and graduation at Rhode Island colleges and urged the panel to make the pilot permanent; staff acknowledged early positive indicators but noted the legislatively required evaluation is due in 2030.
The House Finance Committee on Wednesday heard broad support from campus leaders, students and unions for making the HOPE Scholarship permanent — a pilot program first enacted in 2023 that provides completion-focused aid to students in their third and fourth years.
Shannon Gilkey, commissioner for postsecondary education, framed HOPE as an affordability tool that helps students finish degrees and supports workforce goals. She said the state has invested in student aid and complementary programs and noted early indicators the…
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