Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The NBA Foundation Grants aim to empower Black youth by providing economic opportunities through skills training, mentorship, and career advancement programs. Established by all 30 NBA teams, the foundation focuses on organizations aligned with its mission, specifically those serving Black youth in NBA markets. Applications for 2024 grants are now open, with a review process taking 12-14 weeks. This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable economic and racial justice in communities.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) offers financial support through undergraduate scholarships for up to 100 eligible college students each year. Applicants must be members of PC(USA) pursuing their first associates or bachelor's degree at an accredited institution in the U.S. during the 2025-2026 academic year. This initiative aims to assist students in overcoming financial barriers to education while fostering a commitment to service within their communities.

About Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Who we are and our impact

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Help with healthcare costs for Multiple sclerosis (MS)

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

About the disease

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the central nervous system in which the insulating covers of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. MS is a chronic disease that affects the nervous system.

The HEAL initiative aims to translate addiction research into practice to combat the opioid crisis and overdose events. It focuses on identifying barriers to reducing substance use and developing scalable, evidence-based interventions. Emphasizing recovery, prevention, and the integration of mental health, the initiative encourages collaboration among experts in various fields. Although applications are not currently solicited, potential applicants are urged to prepare for future opportunities to apply innovative solutions to enhance addiction treatment and prevention efforts.

The Indigenous Scholarships: Arts Fund facilitates artistic development for Aboriginal Australian, Torres Strait Islander, Native American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian artists. Offering up to $5,000, it supports projects in each other's countries, with applications due in March and September. Since 2002, over $1 million has been awarded to more than 500 artists, fostering cultural exchange and growth in the arts between Australia and the USA.

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Young Voices

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: Youth will work in teams on a hands-on, industry-connected capstone project. Through this experience, they will build real-world skills like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and basic technical skills that prepare them for college, training programs, and future careers.
• Skill Building: Through hands-on career experiences, students will build important workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, resume and cover letter writing, and professional behavior. This program helps students gain confidence, build strong professional relationships, and develop the skills they need to succeed in the world of work.
• Mentorship: Each career track will have one or two mentors who check in with students at least once a week during scheduled team time to support progress and growth.

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Industrial Engineering
• Banking & Finance
• Biological and Environmental Science
• Pharmacy
• Public Health, and Pre-Engineering

Students enrolled in the Making Money Moves industry track will have the opportunity to earn 0.5 high school credits through the All-Course Network (ACN).

Communities Served: Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Cranston, Warwick

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Tri County Community Action Agency

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: Get help choosing a paid work experience with a real employer
• Choose Your Placement: Explore your skills and interests and then get matched them with a work-based learning site that fits with your goals.
• Skill Building: Work on workplace skills like building a resume, interviewing, learning about managing money and more.
• Mentorship: Work alongside experienced staff and learn what a real workday looks like. 

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Health Care 
• Business & Finance 
• Computer Science 
• Sustainable Energy 
• Education 
• Hospitality

Communities Served: Northern / Providence County and Southern / Washington County

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Southside Community Land Trust

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: Get real world experience working in the industries farming, agriculture and more.
• Choose Your Placement: You’ll explore a career pathway in the art of Urban Farming
• Skill Building: You’ll get hands-on experience working at urban farms, where you’ll learn practical farming skills and build job skills. You’ll also join interactive sessions on topics like environmental awareness, financial planning, and career readiness.
• Mentorship: Work alongside experienced staff at urban farm sites and learn what a real workday looks like. 

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Urban agriculture 
• Food production and processing  
• Environmental conservation  
• Renewable energy related to agriculture 
• Farm management 

Communities Served: Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls

About Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Who we are and our impact

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Eosinophilic esophagitis

Help with healthcare costs for eosinophilic esophagitis

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

About the disease

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a disorder of the esophagus and is increasingly recognized as a major cause of swallowing difficulties in children and adults. It is a chronic disease of the immune system and can be triggered by a food allergy, acid reflux, or an airborne allergy. An allergic trigger causes the immune system to overact which causes many white blood cells, or eosinophils, to collect in the esophagus. This causes the esophagus to become inflamed and not contract properly. The esophagus can also narrow and develop rings or abscesses. This condition can become worse over time.

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Rhode Island Office of the Post Secondary Commissioner

What To Expect

• Explore healthcare careers you may not know about;
• Hands-on activities that show what healthcare jobs are really like
• Learn from professionals who work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings
• Discover different career paths and what education or training they require
• Build knowledge and confidence about your future in healthcare
• Get inspired to see how you could be part of Rhode Island’s healthcare workforce

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Healthcare Field: Nursing, Pharmacists, Surgical Tech, Medical Assistant, and more.
• Experiential Learning
• Prepare next generation of the Healthcare Workforce

Youth Participants will be participating in a series of career exploration activities: professional spotlights, career skills development days, disaster simulations, career and education fair, research symposiums, and a final career exhibition.

Communities Served: Providence and North Providence Public Schools, Central Falls School District, East Providence School District

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is launching a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to establish a national consortium focused on improving care for older adults with multiple chronic conditions. This initiative aims to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated primary care interventions through innovative electronic health record (EHR) platforms. By fostering collaborations among researchers and clinicians, the consortium will work to enhance patient outcomes and streamline population health management, paving the way for future advancements in aging care.

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Rhode Island Marine Trade Association (RIMTA)

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: You’ll earn paid internship experience by completing an 80-hour internship with Herreshoff Museum, IYRS, Notte Park
• Choose Your Placement: You’ll explore a career pathway that matches your interests
• Skill Building: You’ll gain real-world skills, hands-on experience, and exposure to college and career options
• Mentorship: Work alongside professionals and learn what it’s like to be in the workplace

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Boat building
• Composites Technology
• Digital Modeling Fabrication
• Marine Systems

Students have the option to complete the Skills USA curriculum for a Career Essential credential instead of the CAPP Work Readiness curriculum.

Communities Served: East bay, Newport County, North Providence, Providence

The DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (CSGF) supports U.S. citizens and permanent residents pursuing Ph.D. degrees in computational sciences. Established in 1991, it provides a $45,000 annual stipend, full tuition, and a $1,000 professional development allowance over a maximum of four years. The program encourages interdisciplinary research, offering fellows practical experience in DOE laboratories, enhancing their careers in high-performance computing and scientific research across various fields.

The AHRQ is inviting proposals for research focused on improving diagnostic safety in ambulatory care settings. This funding opportunity aims to understand the incidence and contributing factors of diagnostic errors that occur across various ambulatory care services. Proposals should address the complexities of diagnostic safety to enhance patient care and outcomes.

The Dr. Carol J. Chrisman Nursing Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports registered nurses and nursing students from Ashland County pursuing advanced degrees at Ashland University. This scholarship honors Dr. Chrisman's legacy in nursing and community health, encouraging local nurses to further their education. Eligible applicants include full-time nursing students and those employed in public health within the area, with prior recipients allowed to reapply once.

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce

What To Expect

Career Exploration: The WindWinRI Program is an 80-hour career exploration experience designed for Rhode Island high school students to engage in hands-on, career-aligned learning in renewable energy and engineering. Through applied, project-based learning, industry-validated competitions, dual enrollment opportunities, and paid work-based learning experiences. Offered at interested high schools, students build technical and professional skills while designing, testing, and presenting energy systems. The program prepares students for both postsecondary and direct to career success and exposes them to high-demand career pathways in the clean energy and blue economy sectors.

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Welding
• Construction
• General Operations
• Finance
• Environmental Sciences
• Supply Chain Management
• Engineering

Communities Served: Warwick, West Warwick, Pawtucket, Exeter-West Greenwich, Coventry, Providence, Central Falls 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) invites applications for longitudinal cohort studies focusing on HIV and substance use. This initiative aims to foster multidisciplinary research addressing HIV-associated co-morbidities and substance use disorders. The program encourages collaboration with a NIDA-funded Coordinating Center to enhance research agendas that align with NIH-HIV priorities, ensuring impactful policy and practice outcomes in the field of HIV/AIDS and substance use.

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: New England Institute of Technology

What To Expect

1. NEIT Summer Camp 

• Take part in hands-on tech camps focused on topics like graphics, robotics/drones, business, and healthcare
• Learn through interactive projects, workshops, and employer guest speakers
• Attend a one-week immersive camp with lunch included
• Explore tech careers in a fun, supportive environment, with scholarships available for eligible students

2. From Eras to Enterprises: Building Businesses the Taylor Swift Way

• Learn the basics of entrepreneurship and business through a fun, pop-culture–inspired curriculum
• Start and run a student-led merchandise business, from branding to sales
• Build skills in marketing, planning, creativity, and problem-solving through hands-on projects
• Explore ideas like identity, ownership, and reinvention while creating something that reflects your school and community

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Business
• Finance & Entrepreneurship
• Digital Media & Graphic Design
• Electronics
• Robotics
• Drone Technology 

Communities Served: Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket 

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Blackstone Valley Community Action Program

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: Work 16 hours per week for the first 5 weeks of the program 
• Real Work Experience: Get hands-on experience at a real job with a partner employer 
• Choose Your Placement: Pick an internship based on your interests and goals 
• Skill Building: Learn communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and what it means to work in a professional setting 
• Mentorship: Work alongside professionals and learn what it’s like to be in the workplace 
• Career Ready: Build work experience that helps you prepare for future jobs, college, or training

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Government and public service
• Education and youth development
• Social justice and community advocacy
• Business and corporate services
• Recreation and community wellness
• Historical preservation and facilities management.

Communities Served: Central Falls, Pawtucket, Cumberland, Lincoln, Woonsocket

The Indigo Oak Fund, a Colorado-based private foundation, focuses on empowering women and children through various initiatives. By funding organizations that address issues such as domestic abuse, food insecurity, and gender equity, the Fund aims to improve lives and foster lifelong learning. Their mission emphasizes recognizing individual potential and ensuring equal opportunity for all, making a significant impact in communities across Colorado and the Bay Area.

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Newport Community School

What To Expect

• Train for a career in healthcare through a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program
• Learn hands-on skills like patient care, safety, and infection control, plus workplace skills employers expect
• Complete training during the school year, with the option to gain paid experience in the summer
• Earn certifications, high school credit, and real-world experience to prepare for licensure and next steps

Upon completion, participants will earn a Certificate of Program Completion, Northstar Digital Learning Certification(s), and academic high school credit.

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Healthcare
• Public Safety
• Human Services

Communities Served: Newport (Thompson Middle School and Rogers High School)

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Inspiring Minds

What To Expect

• Earn paid, hands-on experience in real school and education settings during the school year and summer
• Build job skills and confidence through work readiness training and classroom support roles
• Learn from mentor educators and receive individualized guidance and coaching
• Explore careers in education and youth development through real-world experience

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Education and Youth Development
• Early Childhood
• Elementary Teacher Assistants
• (Substitute) Teachers 

You will have the opportunity to receive RIELDS training and get CPR & First Aid Certified!

Communities Served: Providence

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Community Action Partnership of Providence (CAPP)

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: You’ll earn paid internship experience by completing a 100-hour internship with a local employer 
• Choose Your Placement: You’ll explore a career pathway that matches your interests 
• Skill Building: You’ll gain real-world skills, hands-on experience, and exposure to college and career options 
• Mentorship: Work alongside professionals and learn what it’s like to be in the workplace 

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Pre-Engineering
• Education
• Computer Science
• Music

Communities Served: Providence

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Community Care Alliance (CCA)

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: You’ll earn paid internship experience by completing an internship with a local employer 
• Choose Your Placement: You’ll explore a career pathway that matches your interests 
• Skill Building: You’ll gain real-world skills, hands-on experience, and exposure to college and career options 

You can earn a Certificate of Completion for CPR if you are interested!

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Will vary depending on your interest!

Communities Served: Woonsocket & Northern Region 

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: FAB Newport

What To Expect

1. (Ages 14-18)

• Join hands-on projects and paid work experiences that help you explore careers
• Learn workplace basics like communication, teamwork, and professionalism
• Discover your strengths and interests and how they connect to future career paths
• Get guidance and support from mentors and program staff

2. (Ages 19-24)

• Gain paid, real-world work experience aligned to your career goals
• Build job-ready and leadership skills to prepare for long-term employment
• Work on industry projects or internships connected to local employers
• Receive support to identify next steps in education, training, or work

You will have the opportunity to become CPR & First Aid certified and learn about your strengths through a Clifton Strengths Finder Assessment!

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Engineering & Design
• Entrepreneurship
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Advanced Manufacturing Technology
• Education & Youth Development
• Marketing

Communities Served: Newport County

The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) focuses on enhancing education and workforce development in food and agricultural sciences. It invites applications for various grants aimed at professional development, non-formal education for youth, community college training, and fellowships for both predoctoral and postdoctoral candidates. The program, managed by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, emphasizes the cultivation of skills necessary for the future workforce in agriculture, with multiple deadlines for submissions.

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: East Bay Community Action Program

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: Earn paid, hands-on work experience in a real workplace connected to your interests
• Career Ready: Explore different career options and industries while building real-world skills
• Skill Building: Develop professional and life skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
• Mentorship: Get support from mentors, employers, and program staff as you learn and grow

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Sports Management
• Child Enrichment
• Culinary Arts/Hospitality
• Library Tech Services
• Green Industries/Urban Forestry
• Healthcare
• Blue Economy

Communities Served: East Providence, Barrington, Warren, Tiverton, Little Compton, Bristol, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, and Jamestown