AS220 Youth is a free arts education program for young people ages 14-21, with a special focus on those in the care and custody of the state. 

Check with AS220 Youth Studio for information relating to program offerings and Covid   

AS220 Youth is a nationally recognized, award-winning after-school educational program and creative incubator for young people. Serving young people ages 14-21 with a special focus on those in the care and custody of the state, the program strives to dismantle the pipeline to prison by empowering  at-risk, beyond-risk and incarcerated youth through arts, culture and collective action.

Best Buddies Rhode Island offers One-to-One Friendship and Leadership Development programs – positively impacting individuals with and without disabilities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

One-to-One Friendship Program Information

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

In 2018, BBMA and BBRI merged in an effort to combine resources to ensure continued growth and increase opportunities for expansion in both states.

Youth Pride has extensive programs and Services Information  

• Drop-in Center
• Support Groups- Gender Spectrum, The Way Out and Under 13
• Crisis Intervention and Case Management
• Individual Counseling
• Mentoring
• Basic Needs Pantry

Youth Pride Inc. (YPI) is an affirming space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning young people to build community, develop connections and be themselves. Youth come together from a wide range of backgrounds and join with one another over common issues and activities, sometimes as simple as playing video games or sharing a meal. All of our programs are free of charge and include individual counseling, weekly discussion groups, leadership trainings, social events and wellness activities. In the end, youth experiences at YPI can be transformative.

Recognizing that LBGTQQ youth exist outside of YPI, we also provide professional development and training for youth service providers, social service organizations and schools so they have the information and resources to treat all youth with respect and dignity.

Ages 14-19

Programs

• Leadership Transformation Academy
• Student Advocacy 
• Civic Leadership
• Workforce Development

Young Voices is a Rhode Island-based non-profit organization that transforms urban youth into powerful advocates, who partner with our State’s major leaders to create systemic reform and policy change that improve the lives of thousands of youth across the state.

Real Connections Mentoring

ASPIRE stands for: Aligning Savings, Permanency, Information, Resources, and Empowerment, and is possible with funding from the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative at the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Aspire link

Our Your Way Home program rapidly “re-houses” homeless youth between the ages of 18-24 who have aged out of care and who are now experiencing homelessness. Housing

Career Readiness Program Work Wonders

Adult Education

Empowering Lives, Fostering Futures

Foster Forward’s mission is to empower lives impacted by foster care. We have an unwavering commitment to support children and youth, families, and the child welfare system as a whole, to grow, connect, improve, and move forward. 

We’re advocates, researchers, social workers, parents, and thought leaders who are dedicated to improving the child welfare system. What started as the Rhode Island Foster Parents Association (our former name), eventually pivoted into an organization that supports young adolescents and adults who are currently or formerly in the foster care system. In addition, we manage our Storefront - a resource for all foster families who can pick up free gently used clothing, toys, and other essentials.

Workforce development services are available for all youth ages 14-24 years.

Services provided are based upon individual need and range from educational offerings to occupational skills training, job placement services and connection to needed social services.

YouthWORKS411 Youth Center Services: For In-School Youth Middle School-High School

• Dropout prevention tutoring program
• Summer Employment
• Homework helps Club after School
• Community Service Projects
• College Assistant Program
• Work Readiness Workshops
• Paid Work Experience Placements
• GED classes

• Free Occupational Skills Training/ Job training programs
• Certified National Retail Federation Customer Service Training Program
• Life Skills and Leadership Development
• Financial Literacy Program
• Adult Mentoring

Skills Center: Ages 16-24

Youth who have dropped out of high school or have a High School diploma and are looking for further education or Employment services.

• GED classes
• Free Occupational Skills Training/ Job training programs
• Certified National Retail Federation Customer Service Training Program
• Work Readiness Workshop
• Paid Work Experience opportunities

• College Assistance Programs
• Life Skills and Leadership Development
• Financial Literacy Program
• Adult Mentoring

Adult  Inclusive Art Classes

Portfolio Development

Workshop Space

Gallery

Self-Employment and Job Coaching

Membership link

At the OC, we meet our Members at their own individual skill levels and we provide opportunities and a space to learn and grow as artists and as people. Our team consists of formally trained artists, educators, professionals and compassionate mentors whose passion is to encourage and promote creativity as a form of expression and communication. Through experience and training, we understand the needs of the amazing individuals of the I/DD community, which allows us an advantage in helping our Members grow into their best selves.

To become a Member or further information about becoming a Member and to visit Outsider Collective’s center and gallery, please contact:
‍

Jess Angelone, Director
401-263-3045outsidercollective401@gmail.com

Carrie Hyde, Director
781-367-3008outsidercollective401@gmail.com

Educational Leadership Development

Cultural Education and Exploration Program

Summer Wellness Program

Mission: To provide BIPOC youth ages 13-18 from marginalized identities equitable access to international & domestic cultural exploration through travel, utilizing travel as the vehicle to discuss the importance of health & wellness, global citizenship, self awareness, leadership and ubuntu.

For peer fathers or for fatherless children.

Aims to improve the well-being of children through the promotion of responsible fatherhood. Fatherhood program locator.