High school grads line up to enroll for free CCRI tuition

By John Howell
Posted 6/21/18

By JOHN HOWELL With graduation having been just a week earlier in some cases and the lure of summer vacation, one would imagine most students aren't in a rush to get back to class. That wasn't the case Tuesday at the first of two Rhode Island Promise

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With graduation having been just a week earlier in some cases and the lure of summer vacation, one would imagine most students aren’t in a rush to get back to class.

That wasn’t the case Tuesday at the first of two Rhode Island Promise scholarship program enrollment sessions for 2018 high school graduates at the Knight Campus of CCRI. College guidance counselors and advisors were lined up to help the new graduates make course selections starting at 9 a.m. That was a good thing, because the high school grads were waiting.

This is the second year of the program offering up to two years of free CCRI tuition to students who maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average and complete 30 credits, making them full time students. Only students who earned their high school diploma this year are eligible for the program initiated by Gov. Gina Raimondo and enacted by the General Assembly last year.

Last year it was uncertain until the state budget was approved in August whether the program would be funded. This year there’s no question, allowing for students and the college to get a jumpstart.

It’s too early to know how many students will take advantage of the free tuition, but awareness of the opportunity is high and so is the interest, said college public relations officer Kristen Cyr. She said the first cohort of full time Rhode Island Promise freshmen numbered 1,577. Of that total, 83 percent completed the fall semester, returning to enroll in the spring semester.

Cyr said the influx of full time students has brought new energy to the college. Students are involved in college activities beyond the classroom. She expects that many students picked CCRI because of the free tuition, thinking they would put in the time and earn the credits to move on to a four-year institution.

While that is the game plan for many students according to guidance counselor Tracy Messier, who had helped a dozen students make their course selections by noon, Cyr said once students get on campus they make friends, they stay on campus and become in engaged in activities.

Some of the incoming students, like Allison Pallotta of Johnston, who attended Tuesday’s event with her mother Melissa, has a plan. The LaSalle Academy graduate wants to be a dental hygienist. After completing two years at CCRI she aims to transfer to URI.

Her mother found the event very helpful and is delighted with the “break” Rhode Island Promise will provide from tuition payments.

On the other hand, Pedro Betances of Providence is finding his way. He looks forward to CCRI as introducing him to pursuing a career in business. Betances is a graduate of Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College Charter High School.

“I thought I wanted to get into the medical field,” he explains. He said RIMC provided great training but he learned nursing and a medical career was not for him.

Then many attending Tuesday’s were looking for direction. They invested two to two and a half hours to take the ACCUPLACER placement test before making course selections.

A second enrollment session will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 26 in Room 1040 of the Knight Campus.

Those attending should bring a photo ID, high school transcripts and 2016 tax returns for both student and parents.

While tuition is free, students are faced with the cost of books as well as other college related expenses. College advisors also assist with completing financial aid forms.

Those unable to attend an enrollment day can apply to CCRI online and by contacting the college Advising and Counseling Center at 825-1240 or by email at advising@ccri.edu for assistance with placement testing and course selection.

Comments

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  • Justanidiot

    Just to clarify, it is not free. Somebody is picking up the tab. There is no free lunch.

    Thursday, June 21, 2018 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    Dear Justanidiot,

    I wasn't going to comment but your words are so profound AND SPELLED CORRECTLY! I couldn't help agreeing with you.

    I just wish the political insiders would just stop calling it "free". Why can't they just be honest, like you. Why can't they call it "taxpayer-paid"?

    I remember about 45 years ago when the "Pell Grants" were first offered. The political insiders of that time period promoted those student loans as "free" as well, and today, every day, I get several robo-calls on my cell phone inviting me to eliminate some or all of my student loan debt that I do not have. Today, I get calls at my mortgage office from people who don't qualify for a home because of their student loans. I have to wonder if tuitions would be a lot less costly if it wasn't for those "Pell Grants" that became "Student Loans" and "Parent-Student Loans" that pushed up tuition costs. You're right! There is no such thing as "a free lunch" or "free tuition".

    Happy Summer old friend.

    Happy Summer everyone.

    Rick Corrente

    The Taxpayers Mayor

    Friday, June 22, 2018 Report this

  • Justanidiot

    eyes wuz under da influents of powerful drugs wen i wrote dat. flintstone vitamins should not be abused

    Friday, June 22, 2018 Report this