Woonsocket Holiday Shopping Village

Merry on Main

For six festive weeks, vacant storefronts along Woonsocket’s Main Street become a holiday shopping village filled with Rhode Island small businesses, local gifts, and moments worth sharing.

Shop small

Discover gifts and goods from Rhode Island makers and small businesses in pop-up storefronts.

Make a day of it

Explore downtown, enjoy seasonal happenings, and visit the businesses already at home on Main Street.

See Main Street shine

Festive windows and welcoming shops bring new energy to the heart of Woonsocket.

When: November 27, 2026 – January 2, 2027

Where: Main Street. Woonsocket, RI

Hours: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

For more information visit the event website.

https://www.merryonmainstreet.com

Small businesses.
Big holiday spirit.

Building on the success of our summer small business marketplace, RI Small Business Village is back for the holiday season.

Explore gifts from over 50 Rhode Island small businesses in one welcoming space. Find something thoughtful for the people you love while supporting the businesses that make our community special.

Every local gift is a chance to give back to the place we call home.

When: November 13, 2026 – January 3, 2027

Where: Providence Place Mall – 1st floor, across from the Apple Store

For more information visit the event website.

https://www.rismallbusinessvillage.com

Open Letter: A New Way Forward for Career-Connected Learning in Rhode Island 

Employers, Educators, Funders, Civic Leaders: 

This week, we officially launched Springpod in Rhode Island—and with it, a new approach to helping students connect learning to real careers. 

Across our state, we hear two consistent truths: 
 
1. Students are eager to learn but unsure how school connects to the world of work. In fact, through SkillsRI’s PrepareRI program, we’ve seen first-hand the lack of knowledge students have in career pathways. Over 65% of our students list “undecided” as their top career choice.  
 
2. Employers need future talent that understands expectations, skills, and opportunity. 

Between those truths is a gap—not caused by a lack of effort or ambition, but by systems that have not kept pace with the world of work. Closing it begins with reimagining how learning connects to work. 

That belief is what brings Skills for Rhode Island’s Future and Springpod together—to partner with employers, schools, and communities to deliver virtual career-connected learning at scale. 

Strong academics open doors; career-connected learning shows students what is behind them. Virtual experiences help students connect core subjects to real careers, build confidence through application, and make informed choices about what comes next—while enabling employers to engage early, flexibly, and at scale.  

This approach works, and the evidence is clear. Springpod’s virtual work-based learning programs have supported more than 1 million young people, delivering over 4 million hours of high-quality career-connected learning in just the past few years. Before participating, only 1 in 2 students reported confidence in their ability to find a job in the future. After completing a program, 91% felt confident or very confident, and awareness of career pathways increased from 50% to 99%. These aren’t abstract outcomes—they represent students gaining clarity, confidence, and direction, and employers engaging meaningfully with future talent at scale. This is what happens when learning is intentionally connected to the world of work.   

We are grateful to our inaugural partners—Citizens, Gilbane, Brown University Health, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Rhode Island College, Johnson & Wales University, and NEIT—and to our funders and champions—U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, the U.S. Department of Labor, Electric Boat, and Citizens Bank—for making this work possible. 

But this is only the beginning. 

If you are an employer, your insight helps define readiness. 
If you are a school or district, career exploration belongs alongside academic learning. 
If you are a funder or civic leader, early exposure strengthens our workforce and economy. 

Ready to lead in career-connected learning? Join us and be part of what’s next. Click here to get involved. 

Nina Pande, Executive Director, Skills for Rhode Island’s Future 

Sam Hyams, CEO, Springpod 

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: 

1. Construction and trades 
2. Defense and maritime 
3. Health science 
4. Cybersecurity, data and technology 
5. Manufacturing 
6. 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. 

PROCEED WITH ­CAUTION: Pamela Thornton, director of strategic human resource services for the Employers Association of the NorthEast, says that companies relying on artificial intelligence to streamline hiring should still maintain a human connection during the process as much as possible.
PBN PHOTO/­MICHAEL SALERNO

As more companies are adopting artificial intelligence in the workplace, the technology is playing an increasing role in hiring processes, with many employers still trying to figure out how best to use it.

“AI is reshaping hiring,” said Pamela Thornton, director of strategic human resource services for the Employers Association of the NorthEast, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that provides human resources, compliance and workforce support.

Indeed, about 68% of companies are expected to use artificial intelligence in their hiring process by the end of 2025, particularly larger companies that are doing more hiring and receive more applications, according to an October survey from Resume Builder. And 25% of companies using AI for interviews rely on the technology throughout the entire hiring process.

While AI is becoming popular for both hiring managers and job seekers, many employers are still in the beginning stages of deploying the technology in their searches.

Machine learning has been around for about 15 years and is part of what’s known as applicant tracking systems, says Nina Pande, executive director of Skills for Rhode Island’s Future. Many employers use these systems to parse information and keywords from resumes to help whittle down applicant pools.

AI can help make these applicant tracking systems more dynamic, allowing hiring managers to adjust more quickly during the hiring process, according to human resources executives.

“It becomes an interactive tool versus one where you punch in your codes and it spits stuff [out],” Pande said.

Also, ChatGPT – the popular conversational, online AI chatbot – can be used in a similar way to help craft personalized messages to candidates, Thornton says. All it takes is some specific information about a candidate and the technology will write a draft, which feels more personal for candidates who often receive automated replies.

But employers are still only taking small steps to incorporate AI into their hiring process, Pande says. Often, they use it to help with research or to replace simple administrative tasks.

“Employers are taking a cautious approach to integrating AI strategies,” Pande said.

Many employers are worried about risks to both applicants’ and the company’s privacy. Also, some just aren’t convinced they can rely on AI or are unsure just how much responsibility to give the technology, particularly with reports that AI has displayed biases in some hiring processes.

“One big fear that everybody has is that there’s an overdependency, or an overreliance on AI being the right answer,” Pande said.

Among the companies Resume Builder identified as planning to use AI by the end of the year, 56% of companies are worried that AI could screen out qualified candidates, and 48% are concerned about the lack of human oversight, according to the survey. Just 9% of them had no concerns about using AI in hiring.

Even though AI can help streamline hiring processes, Thornton says it’s important for employers to maintain a human connection as much as possible. This means conducting in-person interviews with candidates when possible, or having them on a video call with the cameras on.

And applicants can get discouraged when their resumes and applications don’t get responses, especially because they don’t know how they’re being screened or if those tools favor certain backgrounds and have biases.

But in some ways, AI can help level the playing field for job seekers.

“I’m excited about AI potentially being an equalizer for people who may not have the exact matching skills for a job,” Pande said.

Many candidates the nonprofit works with have academic, language, intellectual or developmental disabilities that can make it difficult to find a job.

But AI can help those candidates develop basic technology skills they can use in a wide range of jobs.

Earlier this year, Pande says, SkillsforRI adjusted its Ready, Set Work program, meant for younger candidates looking for their first job, to include more technological literacy. For example, a recent training in Central Falls focused on what call center environments will look like in the future – not just multiple screens but employees must also be able to work with live chat features.

SkillsforRI also helps candidates write resumes and cover letters to include keywords and format them in a way that existing applicant tracking systems favor.

“We spent quite a bit of time working with candidates on having them understand these things and make it through the proverbial front door,” Pande said.

Still, candidates can feel like their resume disappears if they don’t hear back on an application. But that’s been the case for a long time.

That’s why it’s important for candidates to personalize their applications because while they may get past an initial screening, an overreliance on AI can backfire in an interview, says Katelyn Aziz, a hiring and consulting expert for Robert Half Inc.

Robert Half research shows 82% of hiring managers say they can tell when AI was used to generate application materials.

“Authenticity goes a long way in standing out,” Aziz said.

Originally posted on: PBN

STRATEGY SESSION: Nina Pande, center, executive director of Skills for Rhode Island’s Future, discusses workforce development with East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva, left, and Woonsocket Mayor Christopher Beauchamp. 
COURTESY CHELSEA DECESARE

In response to unpredictable federal funding and constrained state budgets, officials at the nonprofit organization Skills for Rhode Island’s Future say they’re adapting their approach by improving partnerships with local municipalities to meet community-specific workforce needs.

A recent uptick in unemployment has also prompted a renewed focus on local economic growth, broadening the scope of economic development initiatives by tailoring programs to each municipality, whether it’s helping a would-be restaurant owner navigate the regulatory process or an aspiring tradesperson looking to launch a retail operation in Woonsocket.

Understanding, for example, how to maximize earnings or navigate complex business landscapes is critical, says Nina Pande, executive director of SkillsRI. And the initiative has broader implications as the state grapples with a brewing crisis stemming from an aging workforce and a declining number of younger individuals equipped with the necessary skill sets.

And municipalities are increasingly exploring self-employment avenues beyond traditional roles.

“We have widened our aperture as we look at economic development,” Pande said. “While traditional jobs remain significant, there’s a noticeable increase in gig workers.”

The strategy encompasses traditional adult employment, self-employment opportunities and youth employment, the three tiers that must all be addressed in concert.

And it’s not only Lyft drivers or food-delivery haulers, Pande says.

The gig economy’s landscape is vast, incorporating various roles, including artists and sole proprietors working on collaborative projects.

“The gig economy extends beyond just drivers,” Pande said, adding that fundamental business practices remain consistent across all these sectors.

Entrepreneurs must learn to optimize their earnings, utilize data effectively and navigate complex urban environments, ultimately becoming more astute businesspeople.

Microenterprises, which represent 98% of businesses in Rhode Island, often begin with a great idea but require guidance to professionalize their operations.

Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera says her city’s significant low-income population stands to gain from the job training programs that come from a deeper partnership with ­SkillsRI, particularly as federal and state funding sources grow fewer.

“Achieving our vision in Central Falls necessitates strong partnerships,” she said. “Given the fluctuations in federal funding and tight state budgets, it is crucial for local governments and mission-driven nonprofits to come together to forge a path forward.”

In May, the city inaugurated a centralized resource hub at 934 Dexter St., providing complementary support to the community. The new Central Falls Business Center will act as a one-stop shop where organizations such as Skills for Rhode Island’s Future can tailor workforce opportunities to meet local needs.

In September, the Woonsocket City Council approved an ordinance allocating $75,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act to establish a centralized small-business resource center. Mayor Christopher ­Beauchamp describes the Woonsocket Small Business HUB, located within the Woonsocket Education Center, as a comprehensive support system for business development.

“We want businesses to thrive not just month to month, but year to year,” he said. “Our new entrepreneurs are passionate, but they often lack knowledge of the crucial details for success.”

The HUB also aims to cultivate relationships among local business owners, fostering ongoing conversations that extend beyond immediate transactions.

“Even if you don’t end up working together right away, it’s about starting up that conversation,” he said.

In East Providence, Mayor Roberto DaSilva is exploring various options to promote a resilient local economy, collaborating with SkillsRI on several initiatives, including its own small-business hub that provides technical and regulatory assistance to local enterprises.

“This may include obtaining legal advice on business formation,” he said.

The city has also worked with the nonprofit to allocate over $713,000 of an available $1.2 million to 92 businesses, fully compensating 40 affected by the closure of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge.

Plans are also underway to potentially convert a former elementary school in East Providence into a small-business incubator. While DaSilva added one business resource staffer to his administration after he took office, SkillsRI staff is currently assisting with the Economic Development Administration’s grant application to fund a feasibility study.

“This approach effectively multiplies our workforce in terms of economic development,” DaSilva said.

And to ensure local youths do not withdraw or “retreat” from the state’s workforce, SkillsRI is continuing its PrepareRI initiative to provide job training through paid internships.

By the end of June, the organization anticipates the graduation of 250 participants who will enter the workforce with one of more than 100 partner employers.

Rhode Island is facing massive retirements in the coming years in critical positions, Pande says.

“We don’t have enough replacement talent for the aging workforce. It’s a symptom of our public education system,” she said. “Our workforce systems have not been aligning strategies. But these are viable paths to really good jobs.”

Beauchamp says doing more with less may be the workforce development model for the foreseeable future. But municipalities are adjusting.

“This reassures small-business owners that they are not navigating this journey alone,” he said.

(A earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Skills for Rhode Island’s Future program called PrepareRI in the 24th paragraph.)

Originally published on: PBN

Described as a “one-stop resource hub,” officials say the new business center will serve as a collaborative space for local entrepreneurs that will help foster partnerships, provide workforce development resources and business support programs. Its purpose is to reinforce the diverse ecosystem so businesses can access tools, guidance and support needed for local companies to thrive.

Skills for Rhode Island’s Future and RIC’s hub partnered with the city to create the new business center, officials say. Other support, including monetary, provided to the business center came from Social Enterprise Greenhouse, the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Rhode Island Builders Association, Fuerza Laboral, the Rhode Island Small Business Hub and the R.I. Department of Labor and Training.

“This new Business Center is about investing in our people – our business owners, our entrepreneurs, and our workforce,” Mayor Maria Rivera said in a statement. “We are bringing workforce development and business support programs, resources, and services directly into our city, removing barriers and strengthening the path to success for all. I’m so proud of the partnerships that made this possible.”

James Bessette is the PBN special projects editor, and also covers the nonprofit and education sectors. You may reach him at Bessette@PBN.com. You may also follow him on X at @James_Bessette.

Originally published on: PBN

For Planning Purposes

Wednesday, April 9 

SkillsRI Launches Woonsocket Small Business HUB with Community Celebration 

New entrepreneur resource HUB opening inside Woonsocket Education Center (WOC)

WOONSOCKET, RI— On Wednesday, April 9, Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI)—the state’s leading nonprofit workforce intermediary—will officially launch the Woonsocket Small Business HUB, in partnership with the City of Woonsocket, the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, and the Business Empowerment Alliance of Rhode Island (BEARI).

Located inside the Woonsocket Education Center (WOC) on Main Street, the Woonsocket Small Business HUB is a new resource designed to support the growth and success of local small businesses. It offers a range of free services, including one-on-one business guidance, technical assistance, and access to tools and training to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their operations. 

The launch represents a strategic investment in the economic development of northern Rhode Island. Its goal is to strengthen the local small business ecosystem by delivering targeted support, practical resources, and a collaborative space for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

The celebration will include complimentary refreshments, an overview of the HUB’s free services and programming, and insights into the broader strategy to support small business development. A brief speaking program will feature remarks from:

• Hon. Christopher Beauchamp, Mayor of Woonsocket 
• Jess Key, Assistant Commissioner for Workforce, RI Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner 
• Jill Olson-Crowley, Director, Woonsocket Education Center
• Nina Pande, Executive Director SkillsRI    
• Valerie Gonzalez, Woonsocket City Council
• Julie Owens, Social Enterprise Greenhouse
• Lisa Ranglin, Rhode Island Black Business Association
• Oscar Mejias, Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

WHO

Skills for Rhode Island’s Future in partnership with the City of Woonsocket, Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, and the Business Empowerment Alliance of Rhode Island (BEARI). 

WHAT 

Woonsocket Small Business HUB Launch

WHERE

Woonsocket Education Center

115 Main Street Woonsocket, RI

WHEN
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

###

Media Contact (For SkillsRI)

Chelsea DeCesare, Half Street Group

401.286.9037 | chelsea@halfstreetgroup.com 

For Immediate Release:
April 9, 2025

SkillsRI Launches Woonsocket Small Business HUB with Community Celebration 

New entrepreneur resource HUB opening inside Woonsocket Education Center (WOC)

WOONSOCKET, RI—A new chapter in small business support began today in Woonsocket with the official launch of the Woonsocket Small Business HUB—an initiative designed to empower local entrepreneurs and strengthen the city’s economic future. 

Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI), in partnership with the City of Woonsocket, Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, and the Business Empowerment Alliance of Rhode Island (BEARI), unveiled the HUB’s new office inside the Woonsocket Education Center (WOC). The space will serve as a dedicated resource for entrepreneurs seeking free guidance, technical assistance, and access to tools and training to start, grow, or scale their businesses.

“We are honored to partner with Mayor Beauchamp, the City Council, and the Woonsocket community to launch the Woonsocket Small Business Hub. Together, we are building an ecosystem where small businesses can start, grow, and scale—with access to the critical resources and support they need to thrive,” said Nina Pande, Executive Director of SkillsRI. “This is more than just an initiative; it is an investment in the economic future of Woonsocket and the entrepreneurs who call it home.” 

The launch celebration brought together community partners, law makers, and small business owners from around northern Rhode Island to highlight the HUB’s role in the city’s broader economic development strategy. Attendees including Woonsocket Mayor Christopher Beauchamp, and entrepreneurs from around northern Rhode Island explored the new space, connected with support organizations, and learned about upcoming programming. 

“As businesses are served in this new small business hub in Woonsocket, they will have immediate access to resources that assist their talent needs through postsecondary education,” said Shannon Gilkey, Ed.D., Rhode Island Commissioner of Postsecondary Education. “Supporting small businesses, driving economic development, and bolstering postsecondary education are key goals of Governor McKee’s RI2030 plan and essential to Rhode Island’s economic health.”

In September, 2024, Woonsocket City Council voted to approve an ordinance to appropriate $75,000 of American Resource Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a centralized small business resource center. The hub, proposed by SkillsRI and supported by Woonsocket City Councilwoman Valerie Gonzalez and Mayor Beauchamp, was incubated among key business leaders statewide including the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA), Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG), Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Center for Women & Enterprise. The Woonsocket City Council unanimously approved the ordinance on November 4, 2024 and executed a facilities use and license agreement between the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner and SkillsRI.

The Woonsocket Small Business HUB will serve as an ongoing resource for entrepreneurs across all industries and business stages. It represents a strategic investment in the region’s small business ecosystem and a commitment to inclusive, sustainable economic growth. For more information, visit https://www.woonsocketsbhub.com/

About Skills for Rhode Island’s Future 

Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI) is a nonprofit workforce intermediary dedicated to building strong and diverse talent pipelines for Rhode Island businesses. SkillsRI works with socially responsible, civic-minded employers, helping design, manage and deliver talent solutions aimed at closing skill gaps, developing inclusive hiring practices, improving business outcomes and growth, all while helping Rhode Islanders find jobs and career opportunities. 

###

Media Contact (For SkillsRI)

Chelsea DeCesare, Half Street Group

401.286.9037 | chelsea@halfstreetgroup.com 

For Planning Purposes 

Friday, August 16

SkillsRI Celebrates Successful Summer Internship Program with PrepareRI Graduation Celebration 

Public school students from around RI took part in innovative paid internships featuring region’s top employers 

PROVIDENCE, RI –  On Friday, August 16, Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI), the state’s leading non-profit workforce intermediary, is celebrating the eighth successful summer of the PrepareRI high school internship program with a graduation celebration. This year, 347 students were placed in internships across 94 participating employers across Rhode Island. The speaking program will feature keynote remarks from Patrice N. Jean-Philippe of PNJ Consulting as well as 2024 PrepareRI intern, Adrian Serrano. The ceremony includes the second annual “PrepareRI Employer Awards,” presented to partner organizations who have gone above and beyond for their interns. 

WHO

The speaking program will include remarks from:

• The Honorable Jack Reed, U.S. Senator, State of Rhode Island
• Jack R Warner PHD, President, Rhode Island College
• Matt Weldon, Director, Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
• Nina Pande, Executive Director, SkillsRI
• Adrian Serrano, PrepareRI Intern, Rhode Island College 
• Keynote Speaker: Patrice N. Jean-Philippe, PNJ Consulting
  

WHAT 

2024 PrepareRI Summer Internship Graduation

WHERE

Roberts Hall – Rhode Island College, 600 Mt Pleasant Ave, Providence, RI 02908

WHEN

Friday, August 16, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

###

Media Contact (For SkillsRI)

Chelsea DeCesare, Half Street Group

401.286.9037 | chelsea@halfstreetgroup.com 

SkillsRI Celebrates Successful Summer Internship Program with PrepareRI Graduation Celebration 

Eighth annual ceremony highlights more than 300 public school students who took part in innovative program

PROVIDENCE, RI-  Today, Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI), the state’s leading non-profit workforce intermediary, honored the 2024 graduates of the PrepareRI high school internship program with a community celebration. The ceremony, which took place at Rhode Island College, featured friends, family, and community leaders from around Rhode Island including U.S. Senator Jack Reed, Director of the Department of Labor and Training, Matt Weldon, and the President of RIC, Jack Warner. This year, 347 students were placed in internships across 94 participating employers including Citizens Bank, Care New England, Amica Mutual Insurance Company, and Lifespan. 

“It’s been an honor to watch this extraordinary group of young people grow and develop over the course of this summer,” said Nina Pande, Executive Director of SkillsRI. “This unique opportunity truly helps our students cultivate the necessary skills to thrive in today’s evolving workforce. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our incredible partners who have welcomed our students with open arms. Congratulations to the class of 2024!”

PrepareRI is a statewide initiative designed to improve youth career readiness and prepare young people with the skills they need for high-demand, high paying jobs. PrepareRI is a strategic partnership between the Rhode Island government, private industry leaders, the public education system, universities, and nonprofits across the state. 

“I’m honored to join SkillsRI to celebrate the PrepareRI class of 2024,” said Senator Reed. “This tremendous program is helping to prepare young Rhode Islanders to enter the workforce with a better understanding of what interests them for a future career and helps them develop in-demand skills to meet the needs of employers.”

Today’s program was highlighted by keynote remarks from Patrice Jean-Philippe, who currently leads PNJ Consulting, as well as 2024 PrepareRI Intern Adrian Serrano, a student at Charette Charter High School who completed internships this summer with Rhode Island College and Electric Boat. 

“This internship has been an incredible experience, providing invaluable hands-on learning that will undoubtedly prepare me for a successful future,” said Adrian Serrano, 2024 PrepareRI Intern and keynote speaker. “The skills and knowledge I’ve gained here have set a solid foundation for my career, and I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned in real-world situations.”

Today’s ceremony also featured the second annual “PrepareRI Employer Awards,” presented to partner organizations and individuals who have gone above and beyond for their interns. This year’s recipients include the RI Judiciary, RIC & Electric Boat, Shanna Ferguson of Beacon Mutual Insurance Company, Trinity Repertory Company, Teatro ECAS, and the RI Department of Business Regulation.

The PrepareRI Internship Program was designed and piloted in the summer of 2017 by Skills for Rhode Island’s Future with funding from the Rhode Island Governor’s Workforce Board (GWB). SkillsRI continues to operate the PrepareRI Internship Program, and to date, have placed over 2,400 students in paid internships with over 300 employer partners.

About PrepareRI 

PrepareRI is a statewide initiative designed to prepare Rhode Island students with the skills they need for jobs that pay. The PrepareRI Internship Program provides high school students opportunities to explore careers via workplace learning experiences through paid summer internships. This program represents a strategic partnership between the Rhode Island government, private industry, the public education system, universities, and nonprofits across the state. For more information, click here. 

About Skills for Rhode Island’s Future 

Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI) is a nonprofit workforce intermediary dedicated to building strong and diverse talent pipelines for Rhode Island businesses. SkillsRI works with socially responsible, civic-minded employers, helping design, manage and deliver talent solutions aimed at closing skill gaps, developing inclusive hiring practices, improving business outcomes and growth, all while helping Rhode Islanders find jobs and career opportunities. 

###

Media Contact (For SkillsRI)

Chelsea DeCesare, Half Street Group

401.286.9037 | chelsea@halfstreetgroup.com 

Release Date: May 7, 2024                             Contact: brian.hopkins@sba.gov

Release Number: RI25-15               Follow us on:X, Facebook, Blogs, Instagram, & LinkedIn

SBA and Skills for Rhode Island’s Future Host First Annual “Connect and Innovate” Small Business Empowerment Summit

WARWICK, RI – On Tuesday, May 6, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and co-sponsor Skills for Rhode Island’s Future (SkillsRI) hosted the first annual “Connect & Innovate” Small Business Empowerment Summit. Held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, the Summit saw 350 local small business owners, resource providers, and stakeholders attend the day-long event, which culminated in the “Made in Rhode Island” small business pitch event. 

Attendees were able to choose from twenty different educational seminars to sit in throughout the day, with topics ranging from building a brand on social media, small business financing, sessions focused on food and manufacturing companies, and more, all presented by local subject matter experts.  With time dedicated to learning, networking, and discussing business growth opportunities, entrepreneurs from all different industries and backgrounds were able to connect and grow their entrepreneurial book of knowledge.

“Building a successful business isn’t just about individual effort – it takes a strong, supportive community. By fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and uplifting one another, we create an environment where current and future entrepreneurs have the resources and confidence to take those first steps,” said SBA District Director Robert J. Piechota. “It’s our responsibility to ensure that the next generation is not only prepared to start their businesses but also equipped to thrive. Together, we build a foundation for lasting success.”

Building on a successful partnership that was forged during last year’s National Small Business Week, SBA and SkillsRI worked together to provide the local small business community with an opportunity to come together in an educational and collaborative setting. “The incredible turnout at today’s Summit speaks volumes about the strength, resilience, and determination of Rhode Island’s small business community,” said Nina Pande, Executive Director of SkillsRI. “This event was about more than just sharing resources—it was about creating space for connection, collaboration, and mutual support among entrepreneurs, experts, and advocates from across the state. True economic development happens when we bring people together and invest in one another’s success—and that’s exactly what we saw come to life at this Summit.” 

For more information about the award winners or the congressional breakfast, please contact Brian Hopkins at brian.hopkins@sba.gov or 401-528-4575.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.