Newport students to benefit from Rhode Island Foundation grant

A Newport elementary school teacher is among the educators statewide who will share nearly $60,000 in grants for classroom innovation. Launched by philanthropists Letitia and John Carter in 2013, the Spark Grants program targets third-grade classes and is designed to give students a life-long love of learning.

“We strongly believe that third grade is a critical stage in the educational development of youngsters,” said Letitia Carter. The grants are expected to fund activities for more than 20 Newport students.

Eligible expenses included software licenses, equipment and other resources that otherwise would not be available to teachers. Spark Grants were for one-time expenses and could not provide ongoing funding to sustain projects.

“As always, Letitia and John Carter are leading innovation by example. Our hope is that their foresight and commitment inspires new creativity and engagement in teachers and their students,” said Neil Steinberg, president and CEO of the Foundation.

At Claiborne Pell Elementary School in Newport, third-grade teacher Jennifer Hole will use her grant to continue a partnership with Save the Bay that began after Super Storm Sandy hit the area in 2012. The funds will cover the cost of bringing Save the Bay instructors to Pell School as well as a field trip to Easton's Beach in Newport to continue the restoration of the sand dunes destroyed in 2012 by Super Storm Sandy. The children will also be able to visit the Save the Bay’s exploration center. More than 20 students are expected to benefit.

“In the classroom, students are introduced a wide variety of science-based topics. Save the Bay helps bring those concepts to life in the field,” said Hole. “It is also an incredible experience for students who don’t have access to our beautiful community. Hands-on, experiential programs are relevant to the third-grade curriculum as well as our community.”

Teachers in Cranston, East Providence, Portsmouth and Smithfield were among the other educators to share in the grants.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit www.rifoundation.org.