The PrepareRI core team is choosing to apply for this initiative because we believe it will be an excellent opportunity to double down on our initial pathways work (established during an initial PrepareRI grant) and will align to the rollout of our new PrepareRI 2.0 plan. The persistent barriers that we face in our pathways work include LEA implementation challenges, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the need to adapt and modify our pathways programming to meet real-time employer demand in a timely fashion. Our priorities for participation in this initiative include developing strategies to increase the numbers of underrepresented students in Rhode Island’s priority sectors, aligning our priority sectors to high growth industries in a rapidly changing economy, phasing out programs who do not meet an acceptable bar of statewide quality, and improving our data collection systems at both the state and local levels. Finally, we are most looking forward to learning from other states and districts and building knowledge and capacity at both the state and district levels. There has been significant turnover at all participating agencies since our initial Pathways grant that launched PrepareRI, and we are hoping to reset with the group around shared vision, language, and strategies to continue to grow this statewide priority.

Participation in Launch will help the PrepareRI core team increase equity through dedicated time, attention, focus, and exposure to other state exemplars. Opportunities to review data, discuss obstacles with peers, and brainstorm solutions, away form the day-to-day demands of state agency work will be critical to our success.