TRANSFORM RHODE ISLAND SCHOLARSHIP · SINCE 2022
We invest in young Rhode Islanders so they can invest in place.
In partnership with the Papitto Opportunity Connection, LRI empowers Rhode Island high school students as innovators, problem-solvers, and community leaders, turning bold ideas into lasting community impact.
EVERY SCHOLAR ANSWERS ONE QUESTION
“If you had $1 million to improve the lives of those who need it most in Rhode Island, how would you do it?”
Since 2022
PARTNERING WITH POC
3,200+
ALUMNI NETWORK ACTIVATED
1:1
STRENGTHS-BASED MENTORSHIP
$1M
IDEAS, COMMUNITY-SCALED
HOW WE HELP IDEAS TAKE ROOT
From student vision to community action
LRI works closely with TRIS Scholars to translate their vision for change into sustainable, community-based programs.
01
Facilitate collaboration
We convene community engagement to transform student ideas into sustainable, community-based programs.
02
Activate our network
Our 3,200+ alumni connect students with community leaders, nonprofits, educators, and businesses to support planning and implementation.
03
Mentor one-to-one
We provide 1:1, strengths-based mentorship to students as they develop and launch their initiatives.
MEET THE TRIS SCHOLARS
Youth voices, lived experience, real impact
Rhode Island high school students turning a $1 million question into initiatives their communities can feel.
Sebastian Connnolly
2024 TRIS Scholar,
Classical High School
Big Idea: Sebastian’s big idea would use $1 million to fund the administration, transportation, and compensation costs for an inter-school tutoring program.
Naomi Delgado Pedraza
2024 TRIS Pilot Program Scholar, Central Falls High School
Big Idea: Naomi’s change-making idea is to create an art therapy program to help children and young adults struggling with mental health challenges and those with disabilities, trauma, social, cognitive, behavioral, and physical conditions.
Melissa Gonzalez Gutierrez
2025 TRIS Scholar,
Cranston West High School
Big Idea: Melissa’s Big Idea: A Community Built on Books, addresses the lack of access to books faced by low-income families in Rhode Island. The hands-on program aims to foster a love of reading by combining creativity and community engagement.
Zachary Jean-Philippe
2024 TRIS Pilot Program Scholar,
Cranston West High School
Big Idea: Sweet Talkers is a multi-sensory platform aimed at empowering young children with speech and language impairments to learn to speak through baking. By merging speech therapy techniques with hands-on activities, we help develop language and confidence in a fun environment.
.
Mariam Kaba
2022 TRIS Scholar, Woonsocket Career
and Technical Center
Big Idea: Mariam’s Winning idea is to develop a program that offers career exploration, financial literacy, provides mental health wellness opportunities for young people in and restores communities through dedicated activities.
Siya Singhal
2023 TRIS Scholar, The Wheeler School
Big Idea: Siya’s transformative idea is to diversify
Rhode Island by weaving students of color,
pioneers and passion together into one
community. The work begins at the grass
roots level by fostering a BIPOC community
in every school community across the
state.
“LRI didn’t hand me a plan. They connected me to the people who helped me build my own. My idea finally felt possible.”
TRIS Scholar
Transform Rhode Island Scholarship
BUILT BY LEADERS, FUNDED BY LEADERS, POWERED BY LEADERS
Help a young Rhode Islander turn their idea into impact.
Alumni and partners: lend a connection, a skill, or a gift. That’s how the ripple starts.