RIDE Awards $3.3 Million in Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Grant Funding for Extended Learning Programs

Published on Friday, May 24, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) today announced $3.3 million annually in five-year grant awards to 12 community-based organizations and local education agencies (LEAs) that provide high-quality after-school and summer learning programs for students. The award program is federally funded through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, first administered by RIDE in 2003. The 21st Century grants, which complement state investments through Governor McKee’s Community Learning Center Municipal Grant program, were awarded for partnerships between an LEA and one or more community-based organizations to provide academic support, enrichment, and family engagement services in targeted schools. Contingent on continued federal funding, grant recipients will receive funds for the next five years, totaling more than $15 million in support. 

“My administration shares its gratitude with the community-based organizations working diligently alongside schools, districts, and municipalities to provide students with high-quality learning opportunities outside of the traditional school day,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Working together under Learn365RI, we are proud to support these dynamic partnerships and set our students up for success.” 

In alignment with the Learning, Equity, and Accelerated Pathways Task Force Report, RIDE gave priority to applications proposing explicit strategies to serve multilingual learners, to serve differently-abled students, and/or to build knowledge and skills in mathematics. RIDE received funding requests totaling almost $6 million per year, making this an incredibly competitive process. 

“These grants are a testament to Rhode Island’s collective commitment to improving student outcomes by opening doors for all students, regardless of their zip code,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “As we continue to expand out-of-school learning opportunities and promote good attendance, we are proud to support the 21st Century Community Learning Centers.” 

Grant recipients include: 

  • AS220 ($300,000) in partnership with DCYF, Sheila Skip Nowell Leadership Academy, Charette Charter School, and YouthBuild Preparatory Academy to serve the Rhode Island Training School, Sheila Skip Nowell Leadership Academy, Charette Charter School, and YouthBuild Preparatory Academy.
  • Boys and Girls Club of East Providence ($395,000) in partnership with the East Providence School Department to serve Agnes B. Hennessey Elementary, Edward R. Martin Middle School, Riverside Middle School, and East Providence High School. 
  • Boys and Girls Clubs of Providence ($190,000) in partnership with the Providence Public School Department and the Providence After School Alliance to serve Roger Williams Middle School. 
  • Central Falls School District ($395,000) in partnership with Project Goal, Providence County Wrestling Club, and the Rhode Island College Workforce Development Hub to serve Ella Risk School, Calcutt Middle School, and Veterans Memorial Elementary School.
  • East Bay Community Action Program ($204,662) in partnership with Newport Public Schools to serve Claiborne Pell Elementary School.
  • Federal Hill House ($300,000) in partnership with the Providence Public School Department to serve Harry Kizirian Elementary School and Asa Messer Elementary School.
  • The Learning Community ($180,000) in partnership with Save the Bay and the City of Central Falls to serve the Learning Community Charter School.
  • Newport Community School ($180,000) in partnership with Newport Public Schools to serve Frank E. Thompson Middle School. 
  • Providence After School Alliance ($320,000) in partnership with the Providence Public School Department to serve Hope High School and Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex.
  • Segue Institute for Learning ($180,000) in partnership with Farm Fresh Rhode Island and Sojourner House to serve Segue Institute for Learning.
  • Warwick Public Schools ($175,000) in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club Warwick to serve Oakland Beach Elementary School.
  • Woonsocket Education Department ($300,000) in partnership with Connecting for Children and Families to serve Kevin K. Coleman Elementary School, Harris Elementary School, and Woonsocket Middle School. 

With this year’s round of grants, Rhode Island now has 16 agencies operating 21st Century Community Learning Centers, serving a total of 49 schools in high-need communities.