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Outstanding Philanthropic Organization

Urban Collaborative Accelerated ProgramThe Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program (UCAP) is one of the first independent public schools in the nation, serving 140 students in grades seven, eight and nine, on an annual basis.  UCAP students are from Providence, Central Falls and Cranston and have been retained at least one year, thus having a high risk of dropping out of school. 

Many of UCAP’s students come from homes in which their parents have to work two jobs just to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads.  Obviously, their resources to help their children are limited.  While other students come from homes where there are no appropriate adult role models.  Without intervention, they have fallen behind and are headed for failure. 

UCAP uses a unique and innovative acceleration program that allows students to complete three years of requirements in just two years. The UCAP experience places an emphasis on accelerated learning through an academically rigorous curriculum and student empowerment. 

During the 2007-2008 school year, UCAP offered more than 40 different recreational, academic, and/or enrichment activities.  On average, each student spent over 54 hours involved in out-of school-time programs.  These Beyond School programs range from recreational hikes, field trips, career mentoring, technology classes, and art classes, among many others.  While running the Beyond School programs, UCAP staff is able to serve as role models and deepen their relationship with the students.

Community involvement is at the heart of UCAP.  Aside from working collaboratively with middle and high schools in the participating communities, UCAP works with many community agencies to support art programs, student mentor-ships, recreational activities, and special programs.  URI places student interns in UCAP classrooms, while other volunteers work one-on-one tutoring students.

UCAP educators are involved as leaders in many youth-oriented programs.  Rob DeBlois, UCAP’s founder and director, was also the founder of Rhode Island’s SPIRIT program.  He has had a long and lasting commitment to helping urban at-risk youth to overcome obstacles.  This year UCAP worked with Rhode Island Kids Count to present the results of a comprehensive evaluation and call for an ad hoc group to identify possible sites for a second UCAP school to extend the number of at-risk children being served.

In today’s increasingly competitive economy, graduating high school is critical to securing a good job and a bright future.  Since 1989, more than 1,200 students have graduated from UCAP, and at least 44% of those students have gone on to graduate from high school.  To date, at least 440 young people are more likely to have higher paying jobs, are contributing to the tax base of our state, are making a positive impact on their community and are contributing to the quality of life for all Rhode Islanders.

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