PROVIDENCE – Mayor David N. Cicilline will join dozens of Providence children as they kick off the Providence After School Alliance (PASA) expanded summer program for middle school students on Thursday, July 9 at 2pm at the Providence Academy of International Studies (PAIS), 182 Thurbers Avenue.

Establishment of this summer program is one of 30 initiatives of the Mayor’s Operation Opportunity action plan: to establish a middle school summer program to continue academic progress and experiential learning.  The kids will begin their day focusing on academics through a partnership with the School Department.  Afternoon activities will include everything from sailing and scavenger hunts at the Roger Williams Park Zoo to tennis, swimming and cooking. 

The initiative also provides jobs for 40 high school youth who have been hired as counselors through the Mayor’s summer jobs initiative.  The program also places 10 high school students in apprenticeships focusing on arts-based programming.  

PHOTO OP: The students will practice Aikido, the Japanese martial art of life and energy in which students learn self-defense, discipline and self confidence; gymnastics; perform raps, songs and poems led by “Mr. Deep Positivity” and perform dances through the guidance of ¡City! Arts instructors.

The PASA summer initiative was created through the support of the Nellie Mae Educational Foundation, Rhode Island After School Plus Alliance, Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston, The MetLife Foundation, City of Providence, Providence Schools, Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence, John Hope Settlement House, Providence Housing Authority and the West End Community Center.

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