Providence Promise is honored to present its 2026 Community Partner of the Year Award to the Rhode Island Education Collective (RIEC) in recognition of its extraordinary partnership and shared commitment to advancing educational opportunity for all students. RIEC has been an invaluable partner, providing critical learning and empowerment opportunities for families, equipping staff and stakeholders with the tools to engage meaningfully in the education landscape, and supporting the development of initiatives such as a new K–12 dual language full-service community school. Grounded in the belief that every child deserves access to a high-quality public education regardless of race, income, or zip code, RIEC’s mission closely aligns with our vision for Providence’s students. Their leadership, partnership, and dedication have strengthened not only our work, but the broader movement to ensure every child in Rhode Island has the opportunity to thrive.

Providence Promise is proud to present its 2026 Ambassador Award to Mayor Brett Smiley in recognition of his leadership and commitment to expanding opportunity for Providence students and families. Over the past several years, Mayor Smiley has been a true champion and ambassador for Providence Promise, consistently elevating our mission, advocating for the importance of college savings accounts and early college/career planning, and helping to connect our work to a broader network of civic, business, and community stakeholders. Mayor Smiley’s advocacy has strengthened our impact and affirmed that Providence’s success depends on ensuring every child has the resources and opportunity to pursue their educational dreams.