HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING PROVIDENCE PROMISE FOR ITS OUTSTANDING WORK EXPANDING COLLEGE SAVINGS, FAMILY ENGAGEMENT, AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS IN PROVIDENCE

H8290

2026 -- H 8290
========
LC006006
========

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
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
1
WHEREAS, The rising cost of higher education continues to create significant financial
2
barriers for families across the nation and here in Providence, making early planning and
3
meaningful financial support more important than ever; and
4
WHEREAS, Providence Promise is Rhode Island’s only nonprofit organization solely
5
dedicated to promoting early college planning and savings beginning as early as birth for
6
Providence public and charter school students; and
7
WHEREAS, Providence Promise partners with families to open and manage 529 college
8
savings accounts, provides a $100 seed deposit for each enrolled student, and offers one of the
9
most robust incentive programs in the country, allowing students to earn up to $3,000 per year in
10
deposits for positive educational engagement and achievement; and
11
WHEREAS, Through academic enrichment opportunities, college and career readiness
12
activities, financial literacy education, socio-emotional development programming, and bilingual
13
family engagement services, Providence Promise fosters a strong college-going culture among
14
historically underserved communities; and
15
WHEREAS, Providence Promise has grown significantly in recent years and now serves
16
nearly 1,300 students from approximately 700 families, has helped families collectively save
17
more than $2 million toward higher education, and maintains an extraordinary student retention
18
rate exceeding 97 percent; and
19
WHEREAS, Since 2020, Providence Promise has invested hundreds of thousands of

1
dollars directly into students’ college savings accounts through its Early Scholarship Program,
2
reinforcing the connection between consistent educational engagement and long-term
3
postsecondary success; and
4
WHEREAS, Providence Promise’s annual 529 Day Celebration and year-round
5
workshops and community events bring together students, families, educators, volunteers, and
6
community partners in a shared commitment to educational equity and economic opportunity; and
7
WHEREAS, Providence Promise remains largely privately funded and continues to meet
8
growing demand for its services, demonstrating both the urgent need for and the transformative
9
impact of early college savings and family-centered support programs; now, therefore be it
10
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
11
proudly recognizes and commends Providence Promise for its innovative leadership, steadfast
12
dedication, and measurable impact in expanding access to higher education for the students and
13
families of Providence; and be it further
14
RESOLVED, That this House expresses its sincere appreciation to the board of directors,
15
leadership, staff, volunteers, donors, and participating families of Providence Promise for their
16
unwavering commitment to building brighter futures and strengthening the economic vitality of
17
our state; and be it further
18
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
19
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Providence Promise.
========
LC006006
========

LC006006 - Page 2 of 2