Collective Action for Education is proud to celebrate EduChamps Cohort 1, whose members have been selected to receive a round of mini-grants aimed at growing leadership, creating new opportunities, and advancing ideas that serve students, families, and communities across Rhode Island.
These awards reflect the mission of EduChamps: supporting emerging leaders who are ready to drive meaningful change in education and beyond. Cohort members include a dynamic mix of educators, advocates, parents, and community changemakers whose projects demonstrate the strength of community-led leadership.
“The EduChamps mini-grant program is about turning great ideas into real impact,” said Andy MacMannis, Chief of External Affairs. “By investing directly in leaders closest to the work, we help create new opportunities for students, families, and communities across Rhode Island.”
Nine mini-grants were awarded to support educators and schools with projects that help students, families, and teachers. The funding will go toward things like training for educators, after-school and youth programs, better tools for families to access school information, and efforts to make learning more culturally relevant and supportive for students.
Each mini-grant represents more than financial support; it reflects confidence in leaders who understand their communities and are well-positioned to create solutions that matter. By investing in these efforts, Collective Action for Education is helping remove barriers, expand leadership pathways, and provide the resources needed for bold ideas to thrive.
As the inaugural EduChamps cohort continues to grow its impact, these grants will help transform vision into action. We are proud to stand alongside these leaders as they help build stronger schools, stronger families, and stronger communities across Rhode Island.
The future of education is being shaped right now, with EduChamps helping lead the way.
