Through generous funding support from the Papitto Opportunity Connection (POC), an organization that works with Rhode Island’s communities of color to empower and create individual success stories by investing in education, job skills training, and entrepreneurial ventures, we have been able to create an academy that will provide opportunities to communities that are historically underserved. Rhode Island is a state of 1-million people; together, the Papitto Opportunity Connection, you, and The Groden Network, have a unique opportunity to change the narrative of the Ocean State’s BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities, and our organization is on the front lines in helping to make this happen.

The Academy will serve as a pipeline for dedicated and well-trained workers into the Human Services field. By creating the Academy, we hope to expose and train young people, age 18+, to employment opportunities within the human services industry. Initially, we will focus on underserved populations to provide economic prosperity and create a workforce which allows those with intellectual and developmental disabilities greater cultural connection with their health care service providers.

The Academy for Human Services Program:

This 8-week pilot program will offer six (6) paid internships that rotate through identified Network programs, receiving training and mentorship from seasoned professionals. Each participant of the inaugural class will:

• Rotate through identified Network programs* over an eight (8) week period, receiving training and mentorship from seasoned professionals
• Engage in social activities
• Participate in a final project documenting their summer experience
• Receive a total stipend of $2,500 as compensation

*Network programs may include early intervention, day school, community & home therapeutic services, adult day habilitation & administration

Internship Dates

Stay tuned for information about our 2024 Internship Session, including dates, applications, and more!

Check out some photos from our 2023 Academy Internship Program!