PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — United Way of Rhode Island kicked off its summer learning initiative today.
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.
Currently, the program is offered in Central Falls, Cranston, Newport, Westerly, and Woonsocket.
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 not offered at no cost to families, and children receive 30 hours of programming a week over six weeks.
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.