CCRI receives largest individual private gift in its history

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — The Community College of Rhode Island has received the largest anonymous gift in the college’s 60-year history.

Interim President Dr. Rosemary Costigan announced during CCRI’s 60th anniversary Opening Day Convocation that the institution had been given a $2 million donation.

“I could not be more thrilled to announce this historic gift. For too long, gifts of this magnitude were limited to four-year institutions, but this donor saw the potential for an outsized impact in expanding equity and access to higher education,” said Dr. Rosemary Costigan.

The funds will pay for a free, three-year pilot program CCRI Advantage, which is aimed at boosting student success and accelerating pathways to graduation.

CCRI Advantage is a seven-week program that focuses on student success in the second half of their first semester with personalized academic coaching, tutoring and support services.

The gift will support the cost of student tuition, laptops, course materials and other expenses.

“This program is more than just a stepping stone; it’s a launchpad for our students,” said Dr. Costigan. “By providing tailored support from day one, CCRI Advantage exemplifies our commitment to innovative approaches that meet our students where they are.”