State, local officials tour summer learning programs in Providence schools

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Students in Providence are pushing towards a new era of education this summer through a variety of summer learning programs.

Four schools, including Delsesto Middle School, are hosting more than 2,400 students this summer spanning from elementary school to high school, for a six-week long summer learning program that involves hands-on activities, learning, and social development.

During a tour of the summer program Tuesday, Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green, along with Gov. Dan McKee and Superintendent Javier Montanez, were able to interact with kids in the classroom and get a first-hand look at how the latest investments in education are unfolding.

The summer programs run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include three meals for students throughout the day as they work on engaging projects and helping inspire their potential future careers.

“We’re working on a submarine robot that can go underwater and complete tasks for us, and move around,” said one student in the program, describing what they have been working on this summer.

The program offers students a way to stay in touch with the classroom during summer break, which helps keep kids’ brains engaged. That’s something Infante-Green hopes can translate to better performance in the classroom.

“This is hands-on learning,” Infante-Green said. “The kids [are] implementing math and science to actually have a culminating project that can lead to a career for them.”