Rhode Island is doubling down on its commitment to continuous education through the Learn365RI initiative. Governor Dan McKee and Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green have announced a new round of grant funding aimed at enhancing out-of-school time learning, particularly in mathematics, for students from Kindergarten to 8th grade. This investment reinforces the state’s Learn 365 vision, extending educational opportunities beyond the traditional school year.
This latest funding supports the Math Matters RI initiative and the Learn365RI Municipal Learning Project, offering municipalities the chance to develop impactful math programs. These programs can take various forms, including April Break Math Camps, intensive afterschool or weekend sessions, and extended summer programs lasting four weeks or more. The goal is to provide enriched learning experiences that keep students engaged and advancing their math skills throughout the year, embodying the spirit of learn 365.
Participating municipalities are required to form planning teams comprising representatives from the municipality, Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) such as non-profits, libraries, or recreation departments. These teams will collaborate with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) to develop program budgets in spring 2025. This collaborative approach ensures that learn 365 programs are tailored to local needs and resources.
The Learn365RI initiative, launched in April 2023, aims to transform learning from a 180-day school year to a 365-day learning ecosystem. By fostering partnerships between municipalities, LEAs, and CBOs, Learn 365 seeks to provide high-quality, extended learning opportunities that boost student outcomes. The initiative targets key metrics such as Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS) scores in mathematics and English Language Arts, school attendance rates, and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates.
Since its inception, Learn365RI has allocated $7 million across two funding rounds, supporting programs in 32 Rhode Island municipalities. Each municipality is innovating with unique partnership models to deliver impactful out-of-school learning, demonstrating the flexible and community-driven nature of learn 365. Further details about Learn365RI metrics, participating municipalities, and relevant data can be found in the Resources section Call for Partnerships and application form. Municipalities interested in leveraging this opportunity to enhance year-round learning and embrace the learn 365 philosophy should submit their application forms to RIDE by 4:00 pm on Friday, March 7, 2025, to [email protected].
