Mayor Brett Smiley Announces Return of EAT, PLAY, LEARN PVD
Providence families encouraged to learn more and sign up for summer programs at Summer Opportunities Fair, April 27th at Providence Career & Technical Academy
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Brett P. Smiley was joined today by Providence Public Schools Superintendent Javier Montañez, Superintendent of Providence Parks Wendy Nilsson, Director of Recreation Stephen Grace, Principal Courtney Monterecy and community partners to announce the return of Providence’s summer program, EAT, PLAY, LEARN, that offers free summer meals, quality recreation opportunities and summer employment. Families can sign up online beginning April 27th and are encouraged to attend the Summer Opportunities Fair happening at the Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA) on that day from 10AM to 12PM for additional program details. More information about these programs can be found at EatPlayLearnPVD.com.
“It is fundamentally important to the long-term success and well-being of our students that all of our families have access to quality summer programming opportunities that provide our youth with enriching educational experiences outside of the classroom,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “I am also tremendously proud that through this initiative the City of Providence offers nutritious meals to our youth throughout the summer, at no cost. I want to encourage our families to join us at this year’s Summer Opportunities Fair happening April 27th to learn more information about these exciting programs.”
EAT
Similar to previous years, the City of Providence Parks and Recreation Departments will provide free and nutritious meals to all youth ages 18 and under through the Summer Meals Program, which ensures children receive healthy meals when school is out. This summer, Providence will serve lunches at 33+ neighborhood schools, parks, recreation centers, pools and waterparks. Meal service will run June 24th to September 1st, Monday through Saturday at locations and times listed online. During inclement weather and throughout the summer, times and locations may vary or change, so parents and families should call 3-1-1 during business hours to find a summer meal site in their neighborhood.
“The return of the EAT, PLAY, LEARN PVD program underscores our commitment to fostering a vibrant and healthy environment for Providence families,” said Superintendent of Providence Parks Wendy Nilsson. “With free summer meals, diverse recreational activities and educational programs in our parks, we’re excited to offer a wide range of opportunities for residents of all ages to enjoy and thrive in our city’s green spaces.”
PLAY
Recreation centers will once again offer all-day summer recreation camps starting at just $5/week. Providence will be offering youth 1,175 slots to sports camps, 690 slots to day camps and 70 slots to specialty boating and biking camps. In addition to recreational programming, Providence residents are encouraged to explore Providence parks through PlayCorps, Fitness in the Parks and the City’s Park Finder. Providence families can sign up online for recreational camps on April 27th or attend the Summer Opportunities Fair for more information.
“We’re excited to bring back the EAT, PLAY, LEARN PVD programming for another summer of enriching experiences for Providence youth,” said Director of Recreation Stephen Grace. “Through quality recreation opportunities and engaging summer employment, we aim to provide valuable learning experiences that promote growth and well-being in our community.”
Providence Community Libraries will be offering literacy programming throughout the summer including a Mobile Library aimed at helping enhance reading skills. Elementary students and their families are encouraged to download a Summer 2024 booklet, or visit a community library to receive a printed copy, track their summer reading.
LEARN
The City of Providence and Providence Public School District are collaborating to offer enriching summer learning programs for students of all ages, with a total allocation of $1,160,000 dedicated to supporting K-12 programs. Students will engage in active and project-based learning opportunities during the summer months. Parents can find more information about these programs at the Summer Opportunities Fair that will be held on April 27th, where program providers will be available for inquiries and registrations, both in person and online, through the EAT PLAY LEARN PVD website. Additionally, the City of Providence will continue to support employment opportunities for Providence youth. Summer jobs will be available in the City of Providence Recreation Department and Parks Department, as well as with community partners through One Providence for Youth program. Applications for summer jobs within the City’s Recreation and Parks Department will open on April 27th, coinciding with the Summer Opportunities Fair.
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the City of Providence and our partners as we continue to prioritize our students’ growth through the Eat, Play, Learn summer initiative. As we gear up for our 9th summer, I would like to recognize that these programs play a crucial role in our students’ educational, social, and basic needs. I’m looking forward to the Summer Opportunities Fair on April 27th, where we’ll showcase the positive impact of our collective efforts towards an enriching summer for Providence children and families,” said Providence Public School District Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez.
More information on summer meals, recreation opportunities and park programming can be found at EatPlayLearnPVD.com. For questions, contact the Mayor’s Center for City Services at City Hall by dialing 3-1-1.
