PROVIDENCE, RI ?– Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) today announced the recipients of $3.8 million in Learn365RI grants, marking the second round of funding for the program to support learning beyond the traditional school day. In total, 29 municipalities received grants ranging from $40,000 to $400,000 to create or expand extended learning programs, with many focused on improving attendance , FAFSA completion rates, and academic proficiency. The second round of funding was made possible by Governor McKee’s #TeamRhodeIsland budget, which allocates $5 million to support high-quality after-school programming with an emphasis on critical skills development. 

“Investing in our children’s education is investing in Rhode Island’s future,” said Governor Dan McKee . “From reducing chronic absenteeism to increasing reading and math proficiency, Learn365RI programs are a critical part of our commitment to ensuring all students have access to quality learning experiences year-round.” 

“The Learn365RI grant program is not just about taking up time; it is about enriching the lives of our students, supporting their academic and personal growth, and preparing them for a successful future,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green . “We share our gratitude with our municipal partners for their efforts to improve student outcomes, strengthen community ties, and build support networks.” 

The Learn365 program is part of Rhode Island’s broader strategy to improve educational outcomes and support the development of all students by improving three key metrics: Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS) math and English language arts scores; school attendance rates; and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates. 

By fostering partnerships between municipalities, schools, community organizations, and families, the initiative seeks to create a nurturing and supportive learning environment for all students. Recipients of the standard $40,000 grants demonstrated effective plans and use of funds; expanded grants of up to $400,000 aim to provide more intensive services to students and families and demonstrate a higher level of impact on key Learn365RI metrics. 

“As an elementary school teacher and instructor for Warwick’s Learn365RI program, I get to see firsthand the impact of extended learning on our children. I incorporate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities into our lessons, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see students become filled with curiosity and excitement outside of the traditional school day,” said Rhode Island Teacher of the Year 2025 Milissa O’Neil. “These programs allow students to dream big and build a foundation for future success.”

Learn365RI grant funds will support wide-reaching efforts across the state. For example: 

In Central Falls , a program in partnership with the Central Falls School District will deepen extended academic support targeting multilingual students and address chronic absenteeism. The grant will also fund a partnership with Rhode Island College to expand college access and FAFSA completion. 

In Middletown , the grant will support a Student Attendance and Success Coordinator in partnership with Middletown Public Schools, the Middletown Children's Opportunity Zone, and the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County, in addition to supporting the Municipal Youth Leadership Program. 

In Providence , the grant will support a partnership between the Providence Public School District, Providence After School Alliance, and the Boys and Girls Club of Providence. The partners will work collaboratively to develop academically focused, standards-aligned after-school programs at Governor Christopher DelSesto and Roger Williams middle schools. 

Smithfield , in collaboration with the School Department, Recreation Department, and YMCA, will support attendance efforts, FAFSA completion, and after-school academic, enrichment, and remedial activities. 

Learn365RI Expanded Grant Recipients include: 

Central Falls: $200,000

Cranston-$366,327.40

East Providence: $200,000

Middletown: $269,413

Newport: $393,688.47

North Kingstown: $189,124.06

Pawtucket - $200,000 

Providence - $200,000 

Smithfield: $189,124.07 

South Kingstown - $325,000 

Warwick-$332,065 

Woonsocket: $200,000

Standard grant recipients include: 

Barrington 

Bristol board

Burrillville

Cumberland

East Greenwich

Hopkinton

Lincoln

Little Compton 

New Shoreham 

North Providence 

North Smithfield

Portsmouth

Situate

Tiverton 

Warren 

West Warwick 

Westerly