KINGSTON, R.I. — July 23, 2024 – The University of Rhode Island’s Feinstein College of Education, along with the Jonnycake Center for Hope, has been awarded another $325,000 Governor’s Learn365RI grant for October 2024 through September 2025, to support their partnership with the South Kingstown school district to provide academic tutoring for students in the town, and support school attendance and post-secondary access to education.
The Learn365RI grants were established last year as part of Governor Dan McKee’s Advancing Learning Beyond the 180-Day School Year program, which supports the state’s extended learning programs. According to a press release from the governor’s office, the second round of funding was made possible by McKee’s #TeamRhodeIsland budget, The Jonnycake Center provides basic needs and resources to community members to help them reach their full potential and improve their quality of life.
The funding supports:
• After-school programs for elementary students aimed at improving English language arts achievement, social emotional learning, and school readiness.
• Hiring teachers as tutors through Broad Rock Middle School and South Kingstown High School for students struggling with absenteeism and academics.
• Launching the Jonnycake Youth Center opening in Peace Dale this fall, offering academic support and enrichment opportunities to local youth.
• Outreach and crisis intervention to students struggling with chronic absenteeism.
• Improving college access through a local FAFSA clinic and tours of URI and local colleges.
• Professional development opportunities for teachers throughout the district.
“South Kingstown schools, Jonnycake Center for Hope, and URI’s College of Education have enjoyed long-standing, successful partnerships, most recently demonstrated through our work in establishing the Reading PALS program at Peace Dale Elementary School,” said Diane Kern, professor of English language arts and literacy education. “These grant funds will allow us to extend the reading program to all South Kingstown elementary schools and continue our early childhood program for Peace Dale Elementary School children.”
Kern added that URI students have mentored and tutored South Kingstown school children in after school programs and saw great gains in reading achievement, motivation and school attendance.
URI’s South Kingstown Year Long Learning Support grant is one of the four largest investments through this initiative.
Kate Brewster, director of the Jonnycake Center for Hope, said the grant funds are coming at a perfect time, as renovations are underway for the center’s new neighborhood youth center.
“Grant funds will be key to opening the doors to our new youth center this fall. Students will have access to enrichment opportunities and tutoring, trusted community partners, and have a safe place where they can develop healthy relationships with their peers and adult mentors,” Brewster said.
The grant awards were announced on July 8 by Governor McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Education.