RI Afterschool Network
Kids thriving. Families working. Providers connecting. Schools excelling.
We are a partnership of individuals and organizations promoting young people’s safety, healthy development and learning outside the traditional classroom.
We do this by providing training and technical assistance to improve program quality; influencing policy on behalf of youth and families; and expanding funding opportunities.
We're a movement to make every hour count for every child in Rhode Island
Afterschool programs are a critical element of learning, particularly for Black, Latinx, and other children of color. That’s why we are actively working to create pathways for more youth of color to participate in high quality, out-of-school time programs.
The Rhode Island Afterschool Network, a program of United Way of Rhode Island, encourages parents, policymakers, and school officials to rethink their definition of learning and consider the expanded learning that takes place outside of the traditional school day. We believe that every family should have the opportunity to choose from a range of high-quality, age-appropriate, affordable after school and summer programs.
Out-of-school time learning is a strategic focus for United Way of Rhode Island.
Together we can support student success
Rhode Island Afterschool Network members stay apprised of our work and help:
- Advocate for more state and federal investments,
- Build a statewide system to enhance program quality,
- Connect leaders and innovators in Rhode Island and across the nation, and
- Demonstrate the results of programs.
For more information, contact Roshni Darnal at roshni.darnal@unitedwayri.org.
The challenge: Latest Rhode Island research
Nearly 60,000 of our state’s school-aged children (out of 153,000) want to be in afterschool programs and don't have access, according to the "After 3PM 2020" report published on December 8, 2020, by the Afterschool Alliance. As troubling as this is, it only scratches the surface of the direction our state has gone in a very short time – 59 percent more kids unable to participate today than just one year ago. Parents across the state, two out of three, also report that afterschool programs are too expensive. Go to the "After 3PM 2020" report.
Afterschool programs lead to higher test scores and less absenteeism
Our fall 2019 report, The State of Out-of-School Time Learning Programs in Rhode Island, delves further into the issues preventing young Rhode Islanders from participating in these programs. Download the PDF.
LEADERSHIP, PARTNERS AND RESOURCES
Five Qs With: Anthony Botelho
Providence Business News
Anthony Botelho serves as senior vice president of commercial banking and team leader for the commercial and industrial group at The Washington Trust Co. He was recently appointed to lead the bank’s commercial lending growth in Connecticut, where the company recently opened a New Haven commercial lending office. Anthony also serves on United Way of Rhode Island's Board of Directors.
Rethinking how one of R.I.’s largest nonprofits can grow
The Boston Globe
In October, [Idrees "Lanre"] Ajakaiye was appointed the new chief development officer at... United Way of Rhode Island where he'll be in charge of helping... United Way achieve its current strategic plan, which outlines the nonprofit's investment of $100 million over five years to help achieve racial equity.
City Council gives final approval to $10M reparations budget
Providence Business News
A two-yearslong effort to bring racial reparations to Providence achieved a milestone Wednesday... The approved funding largely mirrors recommendations set forth by a city panel based on community input, but with one major change that shifts some money into a COVID-19 Equity Fund to be managed by United Way of Rhode Island.
Final Pitch Event for Nonprofit Innovation Lab Set for Feb. 1
The stage is set. On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the latest Nonprofit Innovation Lab will culminate as 10 Rhode Island organizations make their final pitch for a chance to secure seed funding to help bring their unique program idea to life. The program showcase and pitch night will be held at The Guild in Pawtucket beginning at 5 p.m.
Local Nonprofits Can Register Now to Participate in 401Gives
After a record-breaking year that saw more than 13,000 Rhode Islanders come together to make donations totaling $3.1 million in support of hundreds of local nonprofits, 401Gives is gearing up for a return on April 1 with sights set higher than ever. Nonprofits that wish to participate and raise funds for their work are invited to register now.
Nonprofit Executives Complete United Way Learning Circle
Leaning into an innovative opportunity to better their organizations and… strengthen the ability of the state’s nonprofit sector to serve Rhode Islanders, a group of 11 nonprofit leaders recently completed United Way’s Executive Director Learning Circle… The fellows spent a year in the program, and their achievement was celebrated on Dec. 16 during a gathering at United Way’s Providence office.
UPCOMING EVENTS
EITC Awareness Day and RI VITA Program Launch
Join us on Friday, Jan. 27 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at United Way of Rhode Island in Providence to learn how the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers & families get a tax break. Individuals who earn under $60,000 can use the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to receive free federal & state tax return preparation. Please register by Wednesday, Jan. 25.
Nonprofit Innovation Lab Impact Showcase & Pitch Night
Join United Way of Rhode Island and Social Enterprise Greenhouse for our Nonprofit Innovation Lab Impact Showcase & Pitch Night on Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 5 - 7:30 p.m. at The Guild in Pawtucket. 11 nonprofits have been fine-tuning their innovation ideas for several months and are now preparing for the culminating pitch event, where $90,000 in prizes will be awarded to the three most compelling projects.