Recognizing and Commending Providence Promise for Its Outstanding

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 5 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.