Gov. Dan McKee joined local officials and community partners Tuesday at the Florence Gray Center to launch a $7.5 million renovation project that will transform the facility into a Community Learning Center serving Newport and Middletown.
The 15,700-square-foot renovation will expand the welcome area and meeting space while adding a computer lab and individual conference rooms. The center will offer Learn365RI out-of-school programming for youth, as well as adult education, job development, workforce training and health services for area residents.
The project is part of a McKee administration initiative funding 21 community learning centers statewide through $82 million in American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus Capital Projects Funds.
What’sUpNewp first reported on the funding announcement in July 2024, when officials said the center was expected to open in October 2026.
“The Community Learning Center for Newport and Middletown is strategically positioned to help the Aquidneck Island community grow their skills, improve their health, and will help raise incomes across the board,” McKee said. “In particular, the center is positioned to expand on our already successful Learn365RI initiative, which is creating out-of-school learning opportunities and improving academic performance for our young people.”
The center plans to expand programming with tenant agencies including Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, East Bay Community Action Program, Turning Around Ministries, FabNewport, Newport Health Equity Zone and Women’s Resource Center.
New partnerships are being developed with Newport Mental Health, Community College of Rhode Island and Salve Regina University.
Erin Hallene, program director for the center, said planned programs include trade school fairs, educational sessions on energy and the blue economy, and visiting nurses who will provide health monitoring and education.
Newport Mayor Charlie Holder said the center will benefit residents seeking scholastic support, health information or workforce training.
“Education for our students and families must be an around-the-clock effort,” Holder said.
Middletown Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown said the town was excited to partner with Newport on the project.
Rhonda Mitchell, executive director of the Housing Authority of Newport, said the investment will help improve education, employment and health outcomes for residents throughout Newport and Middletown.
Kelley Coen, CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County, said the organization has been the anchor tenant at the Florence Gray Center since its inception and the improved space will help build capacity and programming.