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
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH POC
3,200+
ALUMNI NETWORK ACTIVATED
1:1
STRENGTHS-BASED MENTORSHIP
$1M
INVESTED IN STUDENT IDEAS
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 foster collaboration among community partners to transform student ideas into actionable projects.
02
Activate our network
Our 3,200+ alumni representing all sectors and industries offer skills, resources, and connections to support planning and implementation.
03
Provide mentorship & coaching
We support students’ leadership development through 1:1, strengths-based mentorship as they develop and launch their initiatives.
Youth voices, lived experience, local impact
Meet the Rhode Island high school students turning a $1 million question into initiatives their communities can feel.
Tristan Boyns
2026 TRIS Scholar,
Bishop Hendricken High School
Big Idea: Tristan’s big idea is to build RhodeReach, an app that connects Rhode Islanders with the nonprofits they need. With just a few taps, users can donate or sign up to volunteer with verified local organizations, turning goodwill into action.
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.
Evan Perez
2025 TRIS Scholar,
The MET High School
Big Idea: Evan’s big idea is Mobile Foundry, a creative studio on wheels designed to bring professional tools, ethical AI, and mentorship to Rhode Island students who otherwise wouldn’t have access. Built to empower human creativity, not replace it, Mobile Foundry hosts structured sessions on school campuses during the day and travels statewide after school to meet students where they live. Inside, students gain access to the tools, knowledge, and space they need to create something real.
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.
Rio VieiraSpears
2026 TRIS Scholar, The Met High School
Big Idea: Rio’s big idea is to create a program that places high school students at senior centers and housing authorities to teach technology workshops and build intergenerational relationships. Youth will earn meaningful job experience, strengthen their communication and teaching skills, and gain a stronger sense of community. Older adults will build confidence using technology, reduce loneliness and isolation, and gain access to tools that improve daily life.
“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.