Governor McKee, RIDE open registration for free, high-quality summer learning programs for Pre-K-12 students

Published on Monday, May 01, 2023

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Governor Dan McKee and Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green announced today that the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) has opened registration for the All Course Network (ACN), offering free learning opportunities for Pre-K through 12th grade students. Summer and fall course registration is open for families through June 2 on the EnrollRI portal.

“As we work to move Rhode Island’s education system forward, it is important we embrace the ‘Learn365RI’ year-round learning strategy and provide excellent out-of-school learning opportunities throughout Rhode Island, such as the All Course Network,” said Governor Dan McKee. “We encourage students and families to browse ACN offerings and take advantage of dynamic and engaging enrichment and credit-bearing opportunities.” 

ACN offers unique learning experiences beyond the traditional school day to all Rhode Island students in grades Pre-K through 12. Courses, which will be offered during the summer, fall and spring of the 2023-2024 school year, spark creativity, inspire learning, and empower students to explore interests and passions through credit and non-credit bearing options. Middle and high school students enrolled in ACN can also get a head start on postsecondary success by enrolling in Dual Enrollment, Advanced Placement, Work-Based Learning, and Career Credential courses. These options provide students with opportunities to earn credit, master skills, and prepare for jobs in high wage, high-demand industries. 

“Summer is an excellent time for students to pursue their passions, explore something new, and challenge themselves,” said Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Patti DiCenso. “On behalf of the Council, we share our gratitude with the students, educators, organizations, and RIDE, who have built such a comprehensive extended learning program.” 

ACN courses take place in-person, virtually or in a hybrid setting. Students can take one credit-bearing course during the summer and up to two credit-bearing ACN courses per semester during the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters. Parents and guardians register rising Pre-K-8 students; students entering grades 9-12 register independently on EnrollRI. 

“Summer learning offers students structure to their summer experiences, strengthens their social and emotional skills, and connects families with the community. These benefits will ultimately help close the learning gap in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “From conducting science experiments to honing their graphic design skills, ACN offers free and captivating learning experiences to all students, and we encourage students and families to explore this exciting menu of opportunities.” 

This year, over 260 courses are being offered through the ACN. Providers include Rhode Island public and private colleges, school districts, and community-based organizations grounded in youth development. Through ACN, Rhode Island is furthering its commitment to the five Learning, Equity, and Accelerated Pathways (LEAP) Absolute Priorities, which include ensuring all students have access to high-quality and personalized support from adults, through extended learning, before-/after-school partnerships and summer learning opportunities. 

“It is absolutely an enriching experience for students,” said Johnston High School senior Charlie Curci. “From SAT prep to performing arts, ACN courses helped me academically, taught me a lot, and opened a whole new world for me. I was able to apply the credits to my transcript.” 

Through the ACN, students can learn how to code, build set designs for theater productions, explore nature and local ecosystems, or prepare healthy meals through farm to table gardening. There are courses dedicated to learning about cybersecurity careers, creating podcast content, honing community leadership skills, and shadowing medical students at Brown University. For high school students, there are college courses, career credential opportunities, and readiness courses to help students prepare for the upcoming school year.  

Interested students and families can learn more at www.EnrollRI.org/ACN. They are also invited to attend an informational session and Q&A to support questions related to registration, account creation, and platform navigation. Register at the links below.

Tuesday, May 9th 5:30-6:30pm via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUofuGsrj0sGtWhJ_WizF42TZzDhBvGdR-Q

Wednesday, May 10th 5:30-6:30pm via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMld-2rrz0rGdCC5LqWtRd-fNW7HQsJ2b08