Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green | Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) have announced over $2 million in competitive grants aimed at expanding access to high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These programs are aligned with industries expected to experience high growth. The funds are part of RIDE’s CTE for All initiative, which is focused on developing workforce training programs in emerging fields currently lacking active CTE programs. This announcement coincides with the Math Matters RI campaign, which promotes math education statewide.
Governor McKee emphasized the value of CTE for All grants in helping Rhode Island students explore diverse career options. “From marine science to green construction and aviation, CTE for All grant funding will help Rhode Island students explore exciting career opportunities and help them graduate ready to thrive,” said McKee. He congratulated the winners and expressed interest in visiting these newly funded programs.
Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green highlighted RIDE's commitment to student access to valuable career pathways. “Our CTE for All investments underscore RIDE’s commitment to ensuring every Rhode Island student has access to engaging, future-ready career pathways that set them up for long-term success,” she noted. Infante-Green also mentioned the over 30% expansion in CTE programming since 2019, reflecting an effort to meet growing student and family interest.
Michael Grey, Chair of the Board of Education, and Patti DiCenso, Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education, both spoke about the benefits of these educational programs. Grey stated, “Career and technical education opportunities provide students with the experiences they need to lead a successful career.” DiCenso added, “High-quality instruction is especially important when it comes to career and technical education.”
Out of 16 applications from local education agencies and consortia, nine programs received funding. The recipients include:
- Foster-Glocester's CTE Greenovation Lab, awarded $472,151 for careers in green construction.
- Providence Public Schools’ Juanita Sanchez Education Complex's MRI Technician Program, awarded $435,710 in partnership with Brown Health and CCRI.
- Westerly/Lincoln's Aviation Program, receiving $408,719, for pathways in aviation careers.
- The MET's Veterinary Careers Program, awarded $250,000, for veterinary assistant/technician certification.
- Narragansett's Marine Seafood and Tourism Program, awarded $250,000 for skills in Rhode Island’s Blue Economy.
- Warwick's Environmental Science and Energy Program, awarded $61,420 for clean energy pathways.
- A Cranston-led Consortium, receiving a $57,500 planning grant for Radiology and Respiratory Therapy programs.
- Central Falls' Interpretation and Translation Program, awarded $42,500 for multilingual communication careers.
- Providence Public Schools’ Hope High School Production Design Program, awarded $22,000 for technical production skills.
Each program benefits from partnerships with institutions like Brown University, CCRI, New England Institute of Technology, and the University of Rhode Island, alongside various employers and industry groups.
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