Woonsocket Radio News Room

 

McKee Administration Announces Recipients of $3.8 Million in Learn365RI Grants

 

Funding awarded to communities across Rhode Island to support year-round learning; attendance, reading, and math proficiency among top focuses

 

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) today announced the recipients of $3.8 million in Learn365RI grants, marking the program’s second round of funding to support learning beyond the traditional school day. In total, 29 municipalities received grants between $40,000 and $400,000 to create or expand extended learning programs, with many focusing on improving attendance, FAFSA completion rates, and academic proficiency. The second round of funding was made possible by Governor McKee’s #TeamRhodeIsland budget, which directs $5 million to support high-quality, out-of-school programming, with an emphasis on critical skill development.

 

“Investing in our children’s education is investing in the future of Rhode Island,” said Governor Dan McKee. “From reducing chronic absenteeism to increasing reading and math proficiency, Learn365RI programs are a critical part of our commitment to ensuring that all students have access to quality learning experiences year-round.”

 

“The Learn365RI grant program is not just about filling time; it is about enriching the lives of our students, supporting their academic and personal growth, and preparing them for a successful future,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “We share our gratitude with our municipal partners for their efforts to improve student outcomes, strengthen community ties, and build support networks.”

 

The Learn365RI program is part of Rhode Island's broader strategy to improve educational outcomes and support the holistic development of students by improving three key metrics: the Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS) mathematics and English Language Arts scores; school attendance rates; and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates.

 

By fostering partnerships between municipalities, schools, community organizations, and families, the initiative seeks to create a supportive and enriching learning environment for all students. Recipients of the $40,000 standard grants demonstrated effective plans and use of funds; expanded grants of up to $400,000 aim to provide more intensive services to students and families and demonstrate a higher level of impact on the key Learn365RI metrics.

 

“As an elementary school teacher and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Design, and Math) instructor for Warwick’s Learn365RI program, I am able to see the first-hand impact of extended learning on our kids. It has been incredibly rewarding to see students light up with curiosity and excitement outside of the traditional school day,” said 2025 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year Milissa O’Neil. “These programs empower students to dream big and build a foundation for future success.” 

 

Learn365RI grant funding will support wide-ranging efforts across the state. For example:

 

In Central Falls, a program in partnership with the Central Falls School District will deepen targeted extended academic support for multilingual learners and address chronic absenteeism. The grant will also fund a partnership with Rhode Island College to expand college access and FAFSA completion. 

 

In Middletown, the grant will support an Attendance and Student Success Coordinator in partnership with Middletown Public Schools, Middletown Child Opportunity Zone, and the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County, as well as support the Municipal Youth Leadership Program. 

 

In Providence, the grant will support a partnership between the Providence Public School District, Providence After School Alliance, and the Boys and Girls Club of Providence. The partners will work collaboratively to develop academically focused, standards-aligned out-of-school time programs at Governor Christopher DelSesto and Roger Williams middle schools.

 

Smithfield, in collaboration with the school department, recreation department, and YMCA, will support attendance efforts, FAFSA completion, and after school academic, enrichment, and remediation activities. 

 

Learn365RI expanded grant recipients include: 

 

·     Central Falls - $200,000 

·     Cranston - $366,327.40

·     East Providence - $200,000

·     Middletown - $269,413

·     Newport - $393,688.47

·     North Kingstown - $189,124.06

·     Pawtucket - $200,000 

·     Providence - $200,000

·     Smithfield - $189,124.07

·     South Kingstown - $325,000

·     Warwick - $332,065

·     Woonsocket - $200,000 

 

Standard grant recipients include:  

 

·     Barrington

·     Bristol

·     Burrillville

·     Cumberland

·     East Greenwich

·     Hopkinton

·     Lincoln

·     Little Compton

·     New Shoreham

·     North Providence

·     North Smithfield

·     Portsmouth

·     Scituate

·     Tiverton

·     Warren

·     West Warwick

                       ·     Westerly