Community First

Community First is a collective impact, community-based model, aiding Rhode Islanders who may enroll in English language and adult education programs, workforce and academic certificates, and academic degree programs that are aligned to career pathways.

 

A recent report from the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner shares that over 130,000 Rhode Islanders over the age of 25 have some college, but no degree. The community-based model positions CCRI to welcome those students back and help them finish what they started. To expand equitable access to college enrollment and increase post-secondary credential attainment, CCRI Community First partners with local community organizations in areas most affected by intergenerational poverty and economic immobility, helping put Rhode Islanders on a path to grow their economic wealth while generating additional revenues for Rhode Island.

 

CCRI’s Community First pillars are community engagement, student experience, holistic supports and in-demand programming. The Community First Hubs will be co-located within three community partner locations on the West Side and Southside of Providence, CCRI Opportunity Zones. The build-out for the CCRI Community Hubs will include a flex-classroom space that will include technology and furniture to support multiple learning functions, admissions events, and workforce and adult education activities. The hub will give CCRI the opportunity to provide enrollment services, financial aid support, and a variety of trainings and courses directly to the Opportunity Zone communities.