Bank Rhode Island has donated $7,500 to the Providence Summerbridge program, a year-round enrichment program for public middle school students to qualify for attendance at college preparatory high schools.
BankRI’s support will make it possible for three students to participate in the program for an entire year. “The Summerbridge program helps students build the educational foundation needed to succeed in the classroom and beyond,” said Jim DeRentis, executive vice president and chief business officer of BankRI.
Founded in 1992, Summerbridge works with seventh- and eighth-grade students from Providence public schools. During its 16-year history, more than 500 middle school students have participated in the program and approximately 85 percent have gone on to attend Providence’s top college preparatory high schools.
“Summerbridge students experience a holistic web of support that ensures their academic success as well as their healthy development as young people,” said Dulari Tahbildar, executive director of Providence Summerbridge. “Thanks to the support of donors such as BankRI, we can continue to cultivate the powerful intersections between teaching, learning and community building.”
This is the fifth year BankRI has supported Summerbridge. •
