Representatives announce  over 74k to help low-income Rhode Island students take advanced placement exams

PAWTUCKET, RI – During a press conference unveiling the Democratic “Middle Class Jumpstart” economic agenda at the Community College of Rhode Island, U.S. Representatives Jim Langevin (D-RI) and David N. Cicilline (D-RI) today announced $74,057 for Rhode Island to help low-income students take advanced placement exams. The “Middle Class Jumpstart” plan includes three key policy areas to help create prosperity and opportunity for all Americans, including increasing access to affordable education.

"The cost of college has become a significant barrier to education for too many Americans. Improving collegiate programming at the high school level gives students the leg up they need to both prepare for higher education and also to help offset the expense of college courses,” said Langevin.

“These federal funds will help more students enhance their education, gain college credit and make college more affordable,” said Cicilline. “It’s no secret that a college degree will help put a young adult on the road to success and boost their lifetime earnings. The Democratic ‘Middle Class Jumpstart’ plan will expand access to affordable education for middle class Rhode Islanders to help them succeed later in life.”

The grant, which was awarded to the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education by the U.S. Department of Education, will help historically underserved students gain college credits for high school courses by subsidizing test fees. Among other provisions, the “Middle Class Jumpstart” plan will increase college affordability by enacting the “Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act” to help Americans refinance their college loans to new, lower rates and increasing access to Pell Grants for higher education.

The Department of Education awarded a total of $284 million to 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Virgin Islands.