Rally for free college

Editors note: Due to a production error, this story did not run in full in last week’s edition. This is an edited version of that story. Rhode Island Gov. Gina M. Raimondo is concerned about the state’s youth and their futures.

Last week, Raimondo held an old-fashioned rally inside the Johnston High School auditorium to drum up support and inform students about Rhode Island’s Promise, a proposal that would guarantee graduating seniors two free years of college as well as fees and tuition that was met with roaring approval from members of the Class of 2017. JHS senior Vincent Florio, whom Raimondo congratulated on his acceptance to URI, introduced the governor.

“When I was your age, most jobs here required nothing more than a high school degree,” Raimondo said after the JHS band played an introductory march and the Panthers’ cheerleaders greeted the governor. “As you know, that is just not the case anymore. By 2020, when everyone in this room will be an adult, do you know how many jobs in Rhode Island will require a degree? Seven out of 10 jobs will require at least some education beyond just a high school diploma. Seven. That’s why we’ve made sure to offer PSAT and SAT free of charge to every student. That’s why, more than 4,000 students across the state, and many in this room, were able to take a college course for free, through Prepare RI. We’ve done all of this to make you better prepared for college.”

Under Raimondo’s proposal, which would begin in the fall if voted into law by the state legislature, guarantees two years of free college for every Rhode Island student who graduates on time from the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island beginning with high school seniors who graduate this spring.

For a student who enrolls at CCRI, he or she must complete full-time studies and maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average.

For a student who enrolls at either URI or RIC, he or she must be a fulltime student and complete the first two years and, under the Governor’s plan, they’d receive free tuition the final two years.

“You won’t have to get a college degree and there are still many great jobs that don’t require college,” Raimondo noted. “But if you want to go, the cost shouldn’t stop you. You deserve the choice. You deserve a fair shot at your dreams. The hardest part of getting a college degree shouldn’t be the cost. That’s why I’m doing all I can to make sure that college is affordable for everyone in this room.”

That statement and others like it sent loud cheers echoing through the auditorium and brought smiles to the faces of many state and local officials, as well as Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena and Johnston Superintendent Dr. Bernard DiLullo.

“I like the idea,” Polisena said. “She’s investing in the future and this is a small investment that will pay huge dividends. College is unaffordable; I agree with the governor, we have to prepare our work force for the future.”

The governor, Polisena said, “is not only working hard to bring new business into our state that will create high-paying jobs, she is ensuring that our work force will be trained in the high tech/medical and science fields. This is truly an important part of her economic development plan. She knows that for some college may not be affordable or unattainable, but her plan makes it possible. This will make many of your dreams come true.”

DiLullo said, I think Governor Raimondo’s proposal will reinforce her mission of improving the work-force skills in the state. I agree that a high school diploma alone does not open many career opportunities. This proposal is one that will help students and families achieve the goal of higher education more comfortably and without overwhelming debt as they begin their careers.”

The superintendent paused, then while congratulating Raimondo said, “As we saw and heard today, our children welcome and appreciate the governor’s efforts on their behalf. I look forward to the plan becoming a reality, as our students, families and ultimately our workforce will benefit. It’s impressive that Rhode Island will be leading the way in funding higher education opportunities and I thank the governor for visiting Johnston High School to discuss the plan with our students.”

Before completing what many people called “a powerful and well-delivered address,” Raimondo told the JHS students: “We believe in all of you. I believe in your abilities to do whatever you want to do in life. I know that when you graduate you are going to make your school, family and Rhode Island proud. That’s why I’ve made this proposal and why I believe it’s going to make Rhode Island a better place.”

She then stressed: “We need your help to get this across the finish line and make free college a reality in Rhode Island. I’m counting on you. Talk to your families, friends and neighbors and get them to voice their support at FreeCollegeRI.com. It’s on us; it’s on all of us. We’re counting on each other, and I’m standing with you. Together, we’ll give everyone a shot. We’ll build a better future for each of you and every Rhode Islander. Together, we will determine our future.”

Some parents, and others across social media, have complained that the rallies the governor hosts at schools are politically motivated and have chalked the visits up to “campaigning.” But Raimondo said she’s not trying to make students agree with her and that principals and teachers in school have welcomed them in.

“It’s a civics lesson. If students don’t like the plan, then they can express their opposition. If they like the plan, they should express that they’re for it. But they should be involved,” she explained at a manufacturing event in Cranston. “These are students who are about to be or are 18 years old, maybe going to be voting in their first election. It’s a chance to meet the governor, a chance to meet town officials, talk about the issues of the day, and get engaged. I think it’s a great opportunity for young people.”

She furthermore encouraged Rhode Islanders to be involved in their government, regardless of where they stand on issues.

“I think it’s a good thing that the citizens of Rhode Island are engaged in the issues. If you think this is a good idea, if you think it will help your family to have free tuition, then you should get active,” she said. “You should call your legislator and advocate for it. If you think it’s a bad idea, you should express that too. But don’t sit on the sidelines. Get in there and be active.”

(Reports from Tessa Roy have been added to this article, which originally ran online last week)