The Blue Youth Grant is an effort under the Ocean Tech Hub (“OTH”)—a collaboration between the RI Commerce Corporation (“Corporation”), RI Department of Labor and Training, and the Community College of Rhode Island (“CCRI”)—to support student interest and skills in careers in OTH core technology areas of robotics, sensors, advanced materials, composites, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (“AI/ML”), with a focus on undersea applications.
Donor Name: Rhode Island Commerce
State: Rhode Island
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/28/2025
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Blue Youth Innovation Grant seeks to prepare at least 100 students for future learning and employment in these up-and-coming industries critical to our national and regional economic development and security.
Funding Information
There is $120,000 available for this program; the Corporation anticipates awarding 1-4 grants through this solicitation but reserves the right not to award.
Uses of funds
- Applicant projects must be designed to support the development or implementation of either a) courses toward a high school or associate’s degree, b) internship opportunities for high school students, or c) high school student mentorship opportunities with industry representatives and/or employers in the following targeted areas:
- AI/ML software
- Advanced materials
- Underwater vehicles
- Undersea navigation technologies
- Funds can be used to establish partnerships; hire coordinators; compensate instructors; purchase materials; develop coursework; and cover additional instructional, coordination, and related expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
The Blue Youth Grant is open to Rhode Island public high schools (including traditional local education districts, charter schools, and career and technical schools), Rhode Island accredited higher education institutions, and Rhode Island-based employers (“Eligible Entities”). Rhode Island-based employers are defined as employers with at least 51% of employees working in Rhode Island and who are registered with the RI Secretary of State.
For more information, visit Rhode Island Commerce.
