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 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
How you can save money amidst Rhode Island Energy rate hike
ABC6
With rates rising starting Oct. 1, Rhode Islanders have many ways to save money and energy this fall... [For] anyone... need[ing]... financial assistance... United Way of Rhode Island’s 211 service may help... 'We’re here to help the community navigate resources,' said Courtney Smith, director of... 211... The service is available online at 211 United Way of Rhode Island or over the phone.
Program aims to reverse learning loss
WPRI
For 30 hours a week for six weeks, the Summer Learning Initiative gives students the opportunity to learn in fun and out-of-the-box ways... "There’s ways to be able to explore and be creative without feeling like they are falling farther and farther behind, which I think a lot of youth are feeling right now because of the pandemic," [Marlene] Guay said.
Summer energy bill assistance is available
The Westerly Sun
The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund is open to all eligible Rhode Island households experiencing financial difficulty and [needing] assistance with energy expenses, even in the summer. The fund is sponsored by Rhode Island Energy, Block Island Utility District, Ocean State Power, Pascoag Utility District, Petro Home Services and RISEC LP and administered by United Way of Rhode Island.
Fellows Selected for United Way’s Deputy Director Learning Circle
A cohort of eight nonprofit staff from a diverse group of local organizations has been selected by United Way of Rhode Island to participate in its inaugural Deputy Director Learning Circle. The new leadership development series was designed specifically to strengthen the competencies of individuals who aspire to become executive directors.
United Way and Secretary Gorbea Launch 211 Voter Hotline
Building off the successful use of 211 as a voter information hotline in 2020, United Way of Rhode Island today announced a partnership with Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea to establish a new, multilingual 211 Voter Information Hotline… By dialing 211 and selecting prompt 5, users connect with a trained… 211 call specialist able to answer a range of questions.
United Way Launches Nonprofit Leadership Development Series
United Way of Rhode Island is launching a new leadership development series for staff of local nonprofits with annual budgets of $5 million and under and is currently accepting applications from interested participants. The no-cost program is the Deputy Director Learning Circle, and it was developed specifically to strengthen the competencies of nonprofit staff who aspire to become executive directors.
UPCOMING EVENTS
United Way of Rhode Island’s 96th Annual Celebration
Join United Way of Rhode Island for our 96th Annual Celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Farm Fresh Rhode Island in Providence.
Together, we'll celebrate the positive impact we've made this year, thanks to you — our donors, partners, and volunteers — and honor the heroes among us.
This event is free and open to all. Registration is required.