Rhode Island

Rhode Island Afterschool Network

Rhode Island Afterschool Network was founded in 2002 by the United Way of Rhode Island, in partnership with the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. Since its inception the network has worked to envision a Rhode Island that maximizes how, when, and where children and youth learn to ensure their success. To accomplish this goal, the network leads policy, practice, and systems change so that community and school-based  learning and youth development opportunities are aligned for student success.
 

Current Projects and Initiatives: 
Digital Badgets Pilot:
 
  • Received a grant from the Afterschool Alliance to pilot digital badges with Highlander Charter School. Students in 9th-10th grade participating in Expanded Learning Opportunities for Credit (ELOs for Credit) will work towards micro-credentials in professionalism, civic engagement, digital citizenship, and/or creativity.

Expanded Learning Opportunities for Credit:

  • With funding from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, ALC recruited and piloted ELOs for Credit in six districts and two charter schools.

  • The original ELO districts continue to grow their list of community and industry partners and expand the number of student and school served.

  • Professional Learning Community continues to align efforts across districts, including alignment of rubrics to Common Core State Standards and uniform attendance tracking standards for 21st CCLC.

  • Several ALC staff sit on working committees of the Rhode Island College STEM Center and continue to support their work.

  • United Way of Rhode Island’s Women’s Leadership Council has committed to continuing their funding of STEM programming, and are currently engaged in an RFP process.

  • Currently engaging community members in focus groups for STEM Specific PD needs assessment.

  • Currently assessing structure of ALC Steering Committee and exploring options for tiered membership at organizational and individual levels.