FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 18, 2025
SkillsRI and Springpod Launch First-of-its-Kind Experiential Learning Pilot Expanding Career Exploration for Rhode Island Students
Initiative launched with support from a $3.7 million federal earmark championed by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI), in partnership with Springpod, officially launched a statewide experiential learning pilot this week designed to expand high-quality, virtual career exploration for up to 5,000 middle and high school students across Rhode Island.
The launch marks a significant milestone in Rhode Island’s efforts to strengthen career-connected learning and better align education with the evolving needs of the workforce.
In fiscal year 2022 (FY22), U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse secured a $3.7 million federal earmark to support SkillsRI’s youth education and workforce development efforts. $1 million of those funds are being used to launch this experiential learning pilot, enabling SkillsRI to scale virtual work-based learning that supports students’ career exploration and skill development.
“In order to build an economy for the future, we need to prepare the workforce of the future,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee. “I was proud to team up with Senator Whitehouse to deliver a $3.7 million federal earmark to support SkillsRI and connect Rhode Island students with exciting opportunities to explore career paths, while providing Ocean State employers with a talented and skilled workforce pipeline that will help ensure future economic growth and success.”
“I was pleased to partner with Senator Reed to deliver a $3.7 million federal grant for SkillsRI to strengthen and grow Rhode Island’s next-generation workforce,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “Helping students explore career paths at iconic local companies will help our best and brightest launch their careers here in the Ocean State and drive our economy forward for years to come.”
Through its leadership of the PrepareRI Internship Program, SkillsRI has seen firsthand the impact experiential learning has on helping students make informed decisions about college and careers.
“Without exposure, too many students struggle to connect classroom learning with real-world pathways and end up confused or undecided about their next steps,” said Nina Pande, Executive Director of Skills for Rhode Island’s Future. “SkillsRI is nationally recognized for its place-based experiential learning programs, but we must do more. Students respond to hands-on, competency-based learning, and employers want to engage in shaping the next generation of talent. Springpod allows us to scale that connection statewide with content that reflects Rhode Island’s economy and provides firsthand insight into what is possible.”
“At Springpod, we believe every young person deserves the chance to explore real careers early, often, and without barriers,” said Sam Hyams, CEO of Springpod. “By partnering with SkillsRI, we are making experiential learning accessible statewide—connecting students to employers, colleges, and career pathways that can shape their futures. This pilot represents a major step forward for Rhode Island’s talent pipeline.”
The pilot delivers employer-designed, virtual career experiences across six of Rhode Island’s most in-demand industries:
- Construction and trades
- Defense and maritime
- Health science
- Cybersecurity, data and technology
- Manufacturing
- Business, finance and marketing
Participating employer and higher education partners include Electric Boat, Citizens, Gilbane, Brown University Health, New England Institute of Technology, Johnson & Wales University, and Rhode Island College. Electric Boat and Citizens have also invested a combined $350,000 to support the launch and expansion of the platform.
“Today’s students are navigating a rapidly changing world of work, where adaptability and continuous learning are essential,” said Susan LaMonica, Chief Human Resources Officer at Citizens. “Citizens is proud to partner with SkillsRI and Springpod to help young people build the skills and confidence they need for the future. By supporting innovative, hands-on experiences like this virtual platform, we’re investing in Rhode Island’s next generation and helping students explore career pathways, develop critical skills, and discover their potential.”
In addition to employer-led pathways, students will have access to short-form “Subject Spotlights” taught by faculty from Rhode Island College, Johnson & Wales University, and the New England Institute of Technology, introducing education and training pathways aligned with high-growth careers.
All Springpod content is self-paced, ADA compliant, and available in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for students across Rhode Island.
The platform will begin rolling out to schools statewide in January 2026.
Employers and schools interested in participating in Springpod and expanding career-connected learning opportunities are invited to express interest by completing this online form.
About Skills for Rhode Island’s Future
Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI) is a nonprofit social and economic development organization focused on preparing Rhode Islanders for meaningful employment and long-term economic security. Through workforce development, small business support, and college and career readiness programs—including nationally recognized experiential learning models—SkillsRI connects talent to opportunity and strengthens Rhode Island’s economy. Learn more at www.skillsforri.com.
About Springpod
Springpod is redefining early talent engagement by transforming how young people discover and access career opportunities. With more than 1 million student enrollments, $150 million in social impact delivered, and partnerships with over 4,000 employers, universities, and schools—including Amazon, Airbus, Siemens, and Barclays—Springpod delivers immersive virtual career experiences that bridge education and industry and help organizations build future-ready talent pipelines. Learn more at www.springpod.com.
