Over the past year, this committee comprised of nonprofit, legislative, and education leaders has worked to develop a robust bill to launch a 6-year pilot tuition waiver program for foster youth in Rhode Island. This bill is only the first step towards more expansive, inclusive, and equitable access to higher education for foster youth. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that this program evolves into permanent, unwavering support from the government, so that all foster youth have the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams without barriers.