 |
|
7/1/2016
|
Bill that authorizes creation of YouthBuild Preparatory Academy signed into law
|
STATE HOUSE — Gov. Gina Raimondo has signed legislation introduced by Sen. Juan M. Pichardo (D-Dist. 2, Providence) and Rep. Jean Philippe Barros (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket) that authorizes the creation of a YouthBuild Preparatory Academy in Pawtucket and Central Falls.
The law (2016-S 2867A, 2016-H 8113) authorizes the cities of Providence and Central Falls to create an alternative academy for students having difficulty in traditional public school settings.
YouthBuild programs give low-income young people who have fallen off the edges of society the opportunity to transform their own lives, get back on track to adult responsibility, and give back to their communities.
Under the law, Pawtucket and Central Falls are authorized “to offer a rigorous and relevant standards-driven experiential learning community, and to provide college and career preparatory education based on guided, project-based core curriculum with an emphasis on education, human services, and community development.”
Each year about 10,000 low-income young people who have left high school without a diploma enroll full-time in YouthBuild Programs for about 10 months. They spend at least 50 percent of their time, usually alternate weeks, in caring academic classrooms, and at least 40 percent in hands-on job training building affordable housing or other community assets. A strong emphasis is placed on creating a safe and caring community of adults and peers committed to each other’s success.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
|
|