PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — United Way of Rhode Island kicked off its 6-week summer learning initiative this week.
In collaboration with and offered in five communities, the organization and its partners said they are hoping to bring attention to the important and value of the program, and sounding the alarm that thousands more would participate if a program were available to them.
“Last year youth highlighted things that they learned in both academics, like STEM, renewable energy, building submarines and water cycles, but also how to be positive community members,” United Way of Rhode Island Program Officer Marlene Gray said.
The program comes at no charge to families in the five communities the imitative is in: Westerly, Newport, Central Falls, Cranston, and Woonsocket.
“What we believe in is that it has to be 24/7,” Central Falls School District Development Officer Jason Midwood said. “It cannot be confined to 180 days in a school year, it cannot be confined to a 6.5-hour learning day, nor it can be confined to a brick-and-mortar building.”
Since 2012, United Way said it has helped over 11,000 students to make sure they can walk into school in September not feeling behind and ready to take on the next grade level.
“It has been a life changing experience, professionally, physically, and mentally,” Woonsocket resident Daishanay Francis said.
The Summer Learning Initiative, according to officials, helps bridge the gap during the summer, providing students with enriching hands-on activities that foster academic, social, emotional, and citizenship growth.
650 students will officially participate this summer, the program announced at a press conference on Thursday.
Mayor of Newport Xaykham Khamsyvoravong speaks at the kick off of the United Way Summer Learning Initiative on July 11 in Providence, (WLNE).
The program is offered at no cost to families, and children receive 30 hours of programming a week over six weeks.
“Thirty hours each week of blended learning with play and experiences that I believe will truly shape their lives forever,” President and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island Cortney Nicolato said.
Officials in Rhode Island said that demand far exceeds supply and too many Rhode Island children and families are missing out due to funding shortfalls, the end of stimulus dollars, and the need for greater collaboration.
“We have a waitlist and that is disgusting and unacceptable,” Connecting for Children and Families Executive Director Erin Spaulding said.