Inaugural Cohort Honored for Advancing Education Advocacy in Rhode Island
Providence, RI — Collective Action for Education is proud to announce that EduChamps, a leadership development program focused on education advocacy, was formally recognized with a citation from the Providence City Council on February 19, 2026, honoring the impact of the program’s inaugural cohort.
EduChamps is a leadership program designed to raise awareness about education in Rhode Island, confront systemic inequities, and empower community members to advocate for high-quality public education for all students. The inaugural cohort recently completed the program, marking a major milestone for the initiative and the growing network of education advocates it supports.
“This recognition from the Providence City Council affirms the importance of investing in community leadership and education advocacy,” said Andrew MacMannis, Chief of External Affairs for Collective Action for Education. “EduChamps was created to equip everyday leaders with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to drive meaningful change, and we’re incredibly proud of our first cohort.”
While the graduation of the inaugural cohort represents an important achievement, Collective Action for Education views it as the beginning of ongoing work. EduChamps alumni will continue partnering with the organization on next-step projects they help design themselves—connecting education, policy, civic engagement, and community organizing to create lasting impact across Rhode Island.
Reflecting on the experience, EduChamps participant DeNeil Jones shared, “EduChamps gave me the confidence, knowledge, and community to show up differently as an advocate for students and families. Being recognized by the City Council shows that our voices matter and that community-driven leadership can influence real change.”
Applications for the second EduChamps cohort recently closed, and the selection process is currently underway as the program prepares to welcome its next group of education champions.
About Collective Action for Education
Collective Action for Education is an organization dedicated to building community power to transform Rhode Island’s education system. Founded in 2024, the organization’s work includes raising awareness, mobilizing voters, advocating for strong education policies, and supporting leaders committed to ensuring that Rhode Island’s schools serve all children more effectively. Learn more at collectiveactionri.org.
Contact:
Danielle Barron
401-323-6068
