More Background Info on the Hub
Goals
- not only meet but elevate RIC’s mission to serve the greater RI community
- create an opportunity for our partnering employers to build a multilingual, health-centered and culturally competent workforce
- provide job training, career, and college opportunities in high-demand fields for underserved urban citizens
- aid and complement adult education and workforce development initiatives, programming and partnerships supported by the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, as well as other adult education and workforce development initiatives in the region
- increase experiential learning and research opportunities for RIC students and faculty
The Hub's partners include representatives from each of the following organizations:
- Central Falls School District
- City of Central Falls
- Lifespan
- Navigant Credit Union
- Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner
- Progreso Latino
- Skills for Rhode Island’s Future
- Thundermist
The foundation for the work being planned for the Hub started with the establishment of the Parent College program, part of the CF/RIC Innovation Lab, a unique initiative that provided educational opportunities to parents, family members and caregivers from Central Falls. By offering families a variety of classes and workshops, free childcare and a nutritious meal for all participants and children, The Parent College brought the community together, promoted additional growth and development, and positively contributed to children’s academic and social-emotional success. To date, this initiative has served over 200 families living in Central Falls with a waiting list of adults interested in accessing daytime programming.
In 2018, Rhode Island College President Frank D. Sánchez convened a group of business, educational, healthcare and governmental leaders to form the Central Falls/Rhode Island College Collective, working toward a shared vision to create an economic, educational and health-centered engine for the residents of Central Falls and the Blackstone Valley community. The City of Central Falls then submitted a grant (in partnership with Rhode Island College) to RI Housing and was approved for funding for 934 Dexter Street; a 22,000 square foot facility on .9 acres of land.
