RI Dept of Education, 21st CCLCs

I am a current intern at the RI Dept of Education, 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLCs). The following statements were copied and pasted from the official website of the Rhode Island Department Education (RIDE):

This is possibly the mission statement: RIDE provides funds to support the development of high quality after-school and summer programs through a competitive process that prioritizes high poverty areas. All 21st CCLCs must show a partnership between the target school(s) and a community- or faith-based organization.

RIDE currently supports after school and summer programs in over 50 elementary, middle and high schools, serving over 10,000 students each year. The funded programs operate after school programs, school vacation week programs, and summer programs.

Program Information

21st CCLC programs provide a broad array of opportunities for students and their families including such things as:

• Academic Supports: homework help, tutoring, hands-on science, math clubs, literacy activities, SAT preparation, and more;
• Arts: dance, theater, music, visual arts, ceramics, etc.
• Physical Activity: martial arts, swimming, soccer, baseball, sailing, skating, yoga, basketball, personal training, etc.
• Youth Development: leadership development, social skills, violence prevention, mediation skills, community service, etc.
• Health Promotion: nutrition education, healthy cooking, substance abuse prevention, good decision-making, physical activity, etc.
• Family Engagement: family events, family field trips, adult education, etc.
• Career Exploration and College Access: community service, internships, job shadowing, college visits, college application support, etc.
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• (source: http://www.ride.ri.gov/StudentsFamilies/EducationPrograms/After-School21stCenturyCLCs.aspx#12121-21st-century-cclcs)
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• 21st CCLCs is a federal grant- funding goes from U.S. of Education as a grant to state departments of education. States put out subgrants to communities. The organization provides opportunities for academic enrichment. 21st Century Community Learning Centers focuses on providing financial assistance to programs that are making a difference in the community, particularly in after-school programs, such as the Boys and Girls Club, DownCity Design, and New Urban Arts. Their mission statement implies that supporting nonprofit organizations is crucial in order to build better education and learning services for youth.
• As I was carefully browsing RIDE's official website, I was unsure if they had a mission statement (or if it is required because they are affiliated with RIDE?). If so, I think it would be extremely helpful if the organization includes a headline addressing their mission as the mission (and/or vision) statement. Also, I personally think it helps to give a mission/vision statement a "pop" by including actual pictures of participants and activities.

What is Nonprofit?

Nonprofit organizations is a particular social cause or advocating for a shared point of view. To me, it is about coming together as a community and establishing a safe space where individuals are served. For instance, I live in the Olneyville Community where we are fortunate to have ONE Neighborhood Builders. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to serving Olneyville residents. Recently, a set of three family had lost their homes due to fire. ONE Neighborhood Builders (and other nearby nonprofit organizations) immediately reached out to those individuals and provided assistance (such as housing, clothing, and food).
A common nonprofit organization has a:
1.  Focus on mission or purpose
This information will provide others a understanding on what the organization is all about
2. Standard form of organization 
Every establishment must have reliable staff in order for the program to properly operate
3. Independence 
Nonprofit organizations are pretty much their own bosses. They seek answers within themselves and supporters. They run their own programs.
4. Public Benefit
Nonprofits organization's purpose is to help and support those in need (whether that may in youth program or health care)


Opening thoughts: Why do you want to work in the nonprofit sector anyway? gives a clear understanding on the difference between public sector and for-profit sector. However, I think it would be helpful if we as class can list nonprofit organizations that fall under these categories.