UPDATE: Rhode Island Promise to Benefit Undocumented Students


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Undocumented students are eligible!

Rhode Island Promise Information Session
Tuesday, March 5
8 - 10 a.m.
Great Hall, Knight Campus
Warwick, Rhode Island

Representatives from admissions, financial aid to answer questions.

History
Introduced by Governor Gina Raimondo in 2017, the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship makes it more affordable for Rhode Islanders to pursue a postsecondary degree or credential. The RI Promise initiative has not only infused more financial aid dollars into the system, but it also invests those dollars more strategically by creating more meaningful financial aid awards for students. As a need-based, last-dollar scholarship, RI Promise “fills the gap” between a student’s financial aid package and the actual costs of college. It’s our promise to set more Rhode Islanders on a postsecondary path to be successful in meeting their life and career goals.

How It Works
The RI Promise is a “last-dollar scholarship” that fills in the gap between other aid, like Pell grants, and the actual costs of tuition and mandatory fees. Many students work extra hours or look to loan programs to fill this gap. The last-dollar scholarship is designed to help students stay on the path to earning a postsecondary degree without taking on mountains of student debt.

There are no extra forms to fill out for this scholarship, only the FAFSA form that is required for federal student aid programs like Pell. The funds are distributed directly to the Community College of Rhode Island and are applied to the student’s bill for tuition and mandatory fees.

The three purposes of the RI Promise legislation are:

1) To encourage more young people to develop their talents through higher education;
2) To improve the Rhode Island economy by increasing the education and skills levels of the Rhode Island workforce;
3) To ensure the future prosperity of the state by extending the opportunity to receive a free public education beyond high school and into college.

Through the RI Promise program, eligible students are able to attend the Community College of Rhode Island for up to two years free of tuition and mandatory student fees. The RI Promise legislation is subject to renewal, revision, and/or amendment following its expiration in 2020.

How do I sign up?

1. Apply to CCRI.
2. Complete the FAFSA. Undocumented students are eligible to fill out the FAFSA form, and we strongly encourage you to do so.
3. Submit your official high school or GED® transcript.
4. To receive one-on-one support, be sure to attend any scheduled Community Enrollment Day events. With any question, you can also contact Robert Giovino, Associate Dean of Admissions at CCRI.

If you have any questions about the FAFSA, don’t hesitate to contact CASO or call the Rhode Island Educational Opportunities Center (RIEOC): 401-455-6028.

You may also contact CCRI Admissions if you have any problems obtaining your transcripts: webadmission@ccri.edu or 401-825-2003.

Who is eligible?

• Rhode Island residents.
• 2021 high school graduates (public, private or homeschooled) or GED® recipients younger than 19 years old.
Undocumented Students with In-State Residency — According to the CCRI RI Promise Manual, “non-citizens may qualify for a RI Promise scholarship if they meet the criteria articulated in the OPC Residency Policy. US citizens and permanent residents who have been classified as non-residents for tuition based on their application to CCRI may complete the CCRI Application for In-State Residency." Please contact Rob Giovino (rgiovino@ccri.edu), Associate Director of Admissions at CCRI, if you need more assistance.

What if I already paid part or all of my tuition and fees, and then qualify for Rhode Island Promise?

Students who pay for tuition, and then receive Rhode Island Promise, will be refunded once the Rhode Island Promise scholarships are officially disbursed. These refunds are scheduled to begin on Oct. 10.

What if I received a Tam Tran Scholarship?

Tam Tran Scholars will be able to use their award funds to purchase books. Contact us after you register at CCRI and we will arrange for you to use your funds at the CCRI bookstore.

How do I maintain the scholarship for two years?

• Enroll both fall and spring semester for two years.
• Enroll full time (we strongly encourage registering for 15 credits).
• Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA.

Read and download The Rhode Island Promise Manual for more answers to your questions about RI Promise. You can also find more on the CCRI website: http://www.ccri.edu/ripromise/

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