Newport Community School will use a grant from the Rhode Island Foundation’s Equity Action Fund to continue supporting LGBTQ+ students at Frank E. Thompson Middle School and William S. Rogers High School.
The organization is one of 14 groups serving LGBTQ+ residents that will share $87,000 in grants through the fund.
The funding will support the PROWD! program at Thompson and the Gay Straight Alliance at Rogers.
“These programs help students build community, promote equity and create a positive school climate where all students feel valued and supported,” said Tracy L. Shea, executive director of Newport Community School.
At Thompson, PROWD! meets after school to empower students and support mental and emotional well-being through activities including school-wide awareness events, designing inclusivity flags, creating allyship pins and participating in social and cultural experiences.
At Rogers, the GSA is a student-run, after-school organization guided by the school-based social worker. Students take leadership roles in initiatives to advance equity, organize awareness campaigns, plan events, fundraise and engage in social and cultural programs.
Thirteen other organizations also received funding for work ranging from civil rights advocacy for families and youth to housing and health care.
“The Foundation has offered uninterrupted grant support to organizations on the front lines of housing, health, advocacy and youth services for more than 20 years,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO.
Guided by a volunteer advisory committee, the Equity Action Fund has made more than $1.4 million in grants to organizations working on behalf of Rhode Island’s LGBTQ+ communities.
