AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES IN OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME

HB 7501 allocates $100,000 in the 2026-2027 budget to support mental health and emotional well-being for K-12 students in out-of-school time (OST) programs, such as after-school and summer programs. It provides funding for staff training in trauma-informed practices, peer support groups, mental health resources, and culturally responsive activities designed by local communities. The funds will be distributed competitively through Rhode Island’s Afterschool Network to prioritize programs serving high-need youth across urban, suburban, and rural areas. This policy directly affects community-based OST programs and their staff, enabling flexible support for youth mental health needs.