Digital Commons @ RIC

In the near future, national leaders and the press will laud the Innovation Lab for its creative, organically grown blueprint for successful urban education and community development. The partnership among a forward-thinking institution of higher education; dedicated community leaders, including teachers, and the members of the Central Falls community, will not merely lead to graduating self-sufficient, highly skilled, ambitious individuals, but the Innovation Lab will also marshal its assets to nurture an increasingly prosperous and sustainable community. This PK-20 effort will demonstrate that community public health and high-performing schools are inextricably entwined.

All stakeholders in the Innovation Lab will ensure that the students of Central Falls achieve to high standards and become responsible citizens, effective communicators, innovative problem-solvers and critical thinkers. Beyond high school, the Innovation Lab will send many students to Rhode Island College, where they will achieve further academic success, pursue productive careers in a variety of areas, and experience their chosen profession firsthand and early on in their college careers. A full immersion in the Central Falls schools and community will prepare Rhode Island College students to respond to the developmental needs of America’s diverse society with the informed, impassioned sensitivity of those “who have been there.”

The Innovation Lab presents a unique opportunity -- a catalyst for creating a vibrant shared community where new models of learning, teaching and service are developed, piloted and researched. This mutually beneficial partnership will meet the diverse needs of the residents of Central Falls; advance teaching, learning and research at Rhode Island College; and serve as an innovation laboratory for developing and piloting sustainable and replicable programs in urban education, community development and healthy communities.