Governor McKee, RIDE Announce Application Period for Nearly $4 Million in Learn365RI Grants 

 

Grants will Support Expanding Out-of-School Learning Opportunities in Communities Across Rhode Island

 

 

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green today announced the application period for latest round of Learn365RI grants, another $3.8 million investment to foster new or expanded initiatives that promote learning beyond the formal school day and beyond the traditional 180-day school year.

 

“We know that Rhode Island students need more educational opportunities to overcome the impact of the pandemic and compete with our neighboring states,” said Governor McKee. “The Learn365RI grants support local efforts outside of traditional classroom time and to tailor their strategies to community needs.”

 

RIDE will award funding to municipalities on two levels:

 

·     Standard Grants of $40,000 for applications that demonstrate effective plans and use of funds at a baseline level of service. All proposals that meet a minimum quality standard will receive funding. 

·     Expanded Grants of up to $400,000 for applications that demonstrate comprehensive plans and use of funds, provide more intensive services to students and families, and/or demonstrate a higher level of impact on the key learning metrics should consider an Expanded Grant. These are competitive grants and only chosen municipalities will receive awards.

 

Municipalities are encouraged to partner with local education agencies and/or community-based organizations. The application deadline is Friday, May 3rd at 4:00 p.m.

 

“We know that extended learning opportunities beyond school are crucial in our work to accelerate learning and improve academic outcomes statewide,” said Commissioner Infante-Green. “We encourage communities to apply for these grants and further support our students.”

 

The grant program is part of the Governor’s Learn365RI initiative to improve student learning outcomes and increase three key metrics:

·     Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS) mathematics and English Language Arts scores

·     School attendance rates

·     Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates

 

According to Donald Trump, his hush money trial is "a sham." While exiting the court Friday, Trump again slammed his gag order, noting star witness Michael Cohen can say anything. The jury might start deliberating soon after the prosecution told the judge they plan to call two more witnesses, and could rest their case by the end of next week. One of those witnesses is ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, the centerpiece to the case.       Top Republicans are harshly criticizing the Biden administration's decision to halt weapon shipments to Israel. Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell sent a letter to President Biden expressing alarm over the administration's decision to put a hold on a shipment of bombs. The leaders said security assistance to Israel "is an urgent priority that must not be delayed."       Donald Trump's 18-year-old son is declining an invitation to be a state delegate for the Florida Republican Party. Earlier this week, the Florida GOP chairman said Barron Trump would be one of Florida's at-large delegates at the July convention, where the party will officially make Donald Trump its presidential nominee. Then on Friday, former first lady Melania Trump issued a statement saying while Barron was "honored to have been chosen as a delegate" he must "regretfully decline" due to "prior commitments."        The U.S. is rolling out a new 400-million dollar military aid package for Ukraine as Russia launches a major offensive in the northeast city of Kharkiv. The package includes Patriot missiles, singer anti-aircraft missiles, and other munitions. The aid comes weeks after Congress passed a national security supplemental that provides for more than 60-billion in assistance for Kyiv.       McDonald's is reportedly working on a new five-dollar value meal as consumers pull back on fast-food spending. According to CNBC, the proposed meal could feature a McChicken or McDouble, four-piece chicken nuggets, fries and a drink. The move comes after company CEO recently said McDonald's has to be "laser-focused" on affordability to attract diners.        The NBA Playoffs continue today with two games. In the East, the New York Knicks will travel to Indiana to take on the Pacers in game two of their series. In the West, the Denver Nuggets will head to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves for game two. ### Source/tr