PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Education has awarded $6.9 million in grants to support 21 adult education programs in Rhode Island, the department announced Tuesday.
RIDE received 22 proposals at a value of $12.7 million in response to its request for proposals.
Spring Forward: Expanding Access to Health and Wellness
As winter gives way to spring, many people take the opportunity to refocus on their…
Learn More
“We know that by 2020, at least 70 percent of Rhode Island jobs will require some form of postsecondary education. If we are going to meet the needs of employers and grow our state’s economy, adult education needs to be a priority,” said Ken Wagner, commissioner of elementary and secondary education in a statement. “We’re working across government, with our partners in industry at the table, to support programs and services that empower our adult learners and put them on a successful career pathway.”
RIDE said it encouraged applicants to utilize the work training model “Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training,” which allows students to earn their GED, postsecondary credit and receive job training at the same time.
“It is imperative that we engage more adult learners and ensure they are well-supported as they navigate higher education,” stated Brenda Dann-Messier, commissioner of postsecondary education. “We are thrilled that both Rhode Island College and the Community College of Rhode Island are receiving funding to bring the Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) model to our state. This is a great opportunity for us to partner with adult education providers to promote postsecondary education and close skills gaps.”
The funding for adult education programs comes from the federal government through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, as well as state funding through the RIDE budget and the Governor’s Workforce Board.
This round of grant awards ranged from $41,500 to $1.5 million. The following programs were awarded funding in this round of grants:
- Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island: $1.5 million
- Genesis Center: $914,414
- Mentor Inc.: $771,352
- Progreso Latino: $521,964
- Pawtucket School Department: $382,125
- Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative and the Providence Public Library: $305,105
- Education Exchange: $286,127
- East Bay Community Action Program: $246,000
- Newport Community Schools: $215,198
- Community Care Alliance: $213,500
- Crossroads Rhode Island: $193,710
- Community College of Rhode Island: $192,284
- Cranston Public Schools: $188,500
- Tri-County Community Action: $180,500
- Rhode Island Institute for Labor Studies and Research: $176,397
- Comprehensive Community Action Program: $165,112
- Blackstone Valley Community Action Program: $147,750
- Westbay Community Action: $120,000
- Rhode Island College: $115,625
- R.I. Department of Corrections: $55,000
- Year Up: $41,500
