R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-64.31-1

The commerce corporation shall be authorized to grant funds to support partnerships among individual high schools, the community college of Rhode Island, other institutions of higher education, and employers to offer courses towards a high school diploma and associate’s degree, as well as internships and mentorships that help lead to employment after graduation. Such funds may be used for purposes including, but not limited to, establishing partnerships, hiring coordinators, compensating partnership instructors and administrators, purchasing books and other educational supplies, underwriting coursework, and covering additional instructional, coordination, and related expenses.