Raimondo’s CCRI Free Tuition You Need a 2.5 GPA, But Free Diapers Requires a 3.0 GPA
GoLocal News Team
Raimondo’s CCRI Free Tuition You Need a 2.5 GPA, But Free Diapers Requires a 3.0 GPA
Moreover, the free college program has no means testing and Project Undercover - the non-profit which provides the free diaper program - requires you to demonstrate an economic need.
CCRI is poised to be the sole beneficiary of Governor Gina Raimondo's Promise scholarship program.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAdoption of the program in this year's proposed budget will make Rhode Island the fourth state to have tuition-free community college, allowing every resident the opportunity to earn an associate's degree tuition free. There is no means testing for the program and few standards. The 2.5 GPA is for students entering CCRI.
The cost would be roughly $3 million in the FY18 (for the first cohort of students) and then $6 million the following year, when there are two classes. But the academic requirement for taxpayer paid college is substantially lower than the free diapers through the non-profit.
The Free Diaper Program
The "Diaper Scholarship" program is part of Project Undercover and eligible for CCRI students at all of the school’s four campuses. The program requires students to have a grade point average of at least 3.0, “demonstrate extenuating financial circumstances, and be enrolled in at least their second semester at CCRI.”
“Our students juggle families, jobs, and school while making sure they have access to reliable transportation, health care, and income,” said CCRI Dean of Students Michael Cunningham. “CCRI has been making efforts, especially in the past two years, to increase its connections with social service agencies, nonprofits, and other colleges to make sure it can make strong referrals to students in need. This type of opportunity will make a deep and meaningful difference for the award recipients and could well allow them to focus more attention on school or graduate a little bit quicker – or even just alleviate some of the daily stress.”
Project Undercover’s core mission is to provide diapers, socks, underwear, and baby wipes to help the approximately 20,000 Rhode Island children under age 7 living in poverty. The organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and created the scholarship in honor of its co-founder, Frank DePetrillo, who has spent the majority of his life helping Rhode Islanders in need.
Lesson to be learned
Cynics may say that the mediocre students get tuition free for two years, but only the top students are eligible for diapers. Students interested in applying for the diaper scholarship can use their MyCCRI email and password to log in to the application portal at ccri.awardspring.com. Applications close June 30.
FY18 House Finance Budget
WINNER
CCRI
The state's community college is poised to be the sole beneficiary of the Governor's Promise scholarship program.
It would make Rhode Island the fourth state to have tuition-free community college, allowing every resident the opportunity to earn an associate's degree tuition free. There is no means testing for the program and few standards.
The cost would be roughly $3 million in the FY18 (for the first cohort of students) and then $6 million the following year there are two classes.
LOSER
State Government
As part of negotiations -- and the fiscal realities facing Rhode Island with a nearly $140 million shortfally, the Speaker announced Thursday that $25 million will be cut in general spending.
"It's something we discussed with the Governor and she thinks she can make [it] work," said Matteillo.
Also on the chopping block -- funding for the legislative office to the tune of $2 million.
WINNER
Elderly and Disabled Bus Riders
After levying fares on some of the most needy RIPTA bus riders (the elderly and disabled) for the first time this past year, which resulted in strong public outcry, the House Finance budget contains just over $3 million -- for each of the next two years -- to refund the program this coming year.
WATCH: Opponents of RIPTA Fare Hikes to Rally at RI State House Wednesday Afternoon
Mattiello noted that after the two years is up, it is up to the Governor to find the funding.
TIE
Governor Raimondo
On Thursday, Raimondo learned she is poised to get a piece (jCCRI) of her free college tuition proposal, which had been a major focal point of her budget proposal - and political strategy.
On the flip side, she is tasked with finding $25 million in government spending to cut, in order to balance the budget.
Unlike the May estimating conference, where Rhode Island revenues were found to be off nearly $100 million plus, the Governor can't say she didn't see this coming.
LOSER
Medical Marijuana Expansion
In June, Raimondo called for an increase in medical marijuana dispensaries and an increase in licensing fees to generate $1.5 million in revenue for the state.
She called for "no less than six licensed compassion centers."
On Thursday, Mattiello said it was not in the budget, due the proposal's late timing.
WINNER
Davies High School
The House finance budget contains additional help for manufacturing, including $3.6 million to upgrade facilities at Davies Career and Tech.
LOSER
Commerce Corporation
While Mattiello made scant mention of cuts in the briefing Thursday - save for the $25 million out of government spending -- the question was raised as to where the rest of the $140 million shortfall will come from.
"Millions in cuts came from the Commerce Corp budget. The budget kept the Rebuild RI funding, but money for several other Commerce programs were reduced," said Larry Berman, spokesman for Mattiello.
TIE
Mininum Wage Hike
Workers will be happy, employers might not.
The FY18 budget proposal calls for a $.50 minimum wage increase as of January 1, 2018, and then an additional $.40 the following year.
Business owners have continuously fought against such hikes.
