Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green | Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Governor Dan McKee and Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green have announced the availability of $3 million in grants from the Rhode Island Department of Education's 21st Century Technology and Equipment Fund. This is the second round of funding aimed at transforming learning spaces, with a focus on strengthening science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and career and technical education (CTE) coursework. This initiative aligns with Governor McKee and RIDE's Math Matters RI campaign, which seeks to prioritize math instruction in schools.
"Expanding access to 21st century tools and learning environments is critical in equipping students with the skills they need to compete today and well into the future," said Governor Dan McKee. "By bolstering STEM and CTE education programs with RIDE's 21st Century Technology and Equipment Fund, we are demonstrating our commitment to promoting math skills and understanding. I look forward to seeing how this investment will enhance learning experiences across the Ocean State."
Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green highlighted the importance of the grants: "To develop 21st century skills that will help them thrive, students need access to state-of-the-art learning facilities that promote excellence in learning. Through our latest round of grants, students will have the opportunity to use cutting-edge tools that will supplement real-world, hands-on learning in both CTE and STEM. I strongly encourage all schools and districts to apply for this grant."
The fund, established in 2022, utilizes RIDE's School Building Authority Capital Fund alongside Housing Aid and Statewide School Construction Bond commitments. This funding will allow local education agencies to offer high-quality educational CTE and STEM opportunities to all public school students. The focus is on project-based learning to engage students more deeply in their education.
Board of Education Chair Michael Grey said, "When students are able to access learning environments that inspire and help them innovate, they are more likely to be engaged and succeed. This additional funding going towards CTE and STEM education will support students' gain of invaluable skills to have successful futures post-graduation. I cannot wait to see how students will benefit from the upgraded facilities made possible with these grants."
Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Patti DiCenso emphasized the program's impact: "Innovative, high-quality instruction is critically important for successful CTE and STEM programs. The 21st Century Technology and Equipment Fund will help classrooms and other school facilities evolve just as much as the workplace continues to do so. With the continuation of this program, we are taking solid steps towards transforming learning to meet the growing demands of the future."
The effort complements the Math Matters RI campaign, which initially granted $2.85 million to improve math skills in 36 Rhode Island communities. Earlier, RIDE awarded over $2 million in grants to expand CTE programming aligned with high-growth industries.
Eligible project examples for the fund include converting classrooms into STEM rooms, upgrading existing classrooms, creating project-based learning maker spaces, and modernizing science labs. Schools must submit one application for all projects requesting up to $300,000 by May 19, 2025. Proposals should detail the buildings targeted and the funding required, submitted to SBACapitalFund@ride.ri.gov. More information is available in the full application.
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