Community Service Programs

Pre-K STARS (Sharing, Talking, and Reading Stories)

Weekly Theme-Based Story Hours

Since 1997, over 600 Rhode Island College Pre-K STARS Story Time Friends have promoted early literacy and strengthened literacy interactions in early learning facilities throughout the state by conducting fun and creative weekly story hours for over 6,000 RI Preschoolers.

Learn more about Pre-K STARS.

Learn more about Pre-K STARS Partnership with Books are Wings.

Hopkins Hill Math Mates Program

In Spring 2006 Rhode Island College teacher candidates joined two outstanding Coventry teachers for a special Math Mates program to help make math fun for fourth and fifth graders at Hopkins Hill Elementary School. Every semester since 2006 a cadre of teacher candidates has continued to volunteer as Math Mates and further this beneficial partnership between the College's Feinstein of Education and Human and Hopkins Hill Elementary School.

Learn more about the Hopkins Hill Math Mates Program

Henry Barnard Social Mentors

As the elementary laboratory school of Rhode Island College, the Henry Barnard School encourages innovative educational practices and educational research. The Henry Barnard School experience is designed to empower all learners with the ability and the desire to pursue lifelong learning, to enjoy the satisfaction which accompanies learning, and to develop readiness to participate in the world community. As preparation for involvement in the world community, student enrollment, curriculum infusion, and faculty recruitment all celebrate cultural diversity. These experiences become the foundation for children to be intelligent, responsible persons in a democratic and diverse society.

In keeping with the mission and philosophy of the Henry Barnard School, Rhode Island College teacher candidates representing various education programs and cultural backgrounds spend one year volunteering as a Social Mentors. Prior to their term, mentors participate in several training sessions conducted by HBS partnership liaisons, Laurie Parkerson, Janet Fraatz, and Haven Starr. After training, mentors are paired with a student according to shared interests and experiences. Together, mentors and mentees work on art projects, read the same books, have lunch, or play games during recess.