BankNewport supports Learning Community’s Exploratorium – engaging students, bridging gaps

Photo:  (left-to-right): Carlos Cabral, VP/Branch Manager, Lincoln, BankNewport; Joseph Baron, Sr. Mortgage Closing Specialist, BankNewport; Karen DaCunha, VP/Residential Loan Officer II, BankNewport; Kate Hanson, Exploratorium Program Director, The Learning Community Charter School; Annisha Vasquez, VP/Community Development Officer, BankNewport. “Lindsey Lopez, Communications Coordinator, The Learning Community Charter School” should instead read “Kate Hanson, Exploratorium Program Director, The Learning Community Charter School.” 

BankNewport representatives recently joined students and teachers at The Learning Community’s Exploratorium, an afterschool and summer program that provides Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) education to students in Central Falls, Pawtucket, and Providence. The program aims to restore pre-pandemic levels of engagement and continues to bridge the opportunity gap for socioeconomically challenged students. BankNewport provided a $7,500 grant in support to the program this year.

The Exploratorium focuses on helping students improve academic performance, develop social-emotional skills, and explore STEAM-related subjects through engaging clubs and activities. This year, The Learning Community has emphasized student choice, offering options such as theater, robotics, and debate, to encourage greater participation. By aligning with the school-year curriculum and receiving direct feedback from students, the program ensures its offerings remain relevant and impactful.

“At BankNewport, we take great pride in our commitment to champion education programs that positively impact youth, and our partnership with The Learning Community exemplifies that commitment,” said Jack Murphy, President and CEO of BankNewport. “Programs like the Exploratorium inspire young learners and equip them with incredibly important STEAM skills that are essential for their future.”

The Learning Community, a nationally recognized K-8 public charter school, serves approximately 585 students, 90% of whom come from low-income families, with 96% identifying as children of color. Through innovative teaching practices and strong community partnerships, the school has consistently demonstrated that socioeconomic challenges do not limit student success. The Exploratorium, a key component of their educational model, offers diverse subjects such as robotics, marine biology, and engineering, aligning with daytime learning and fostering a passion for STEAM among students.

About BankNewport:

Founded in 1819 and headquartered in Newport, BankNewport offers a full suite of loan and deposit products and services for families and businesses throughout Rhode Island. BankNewport is one of the longest-standing community banks in the United States and, as a mutual organization, is committed to the financial success of its customers, employees, and communities. BankNewport has nineteen branch locations, a community lending center in Central Falls, and a commercial lending office in Providence. OceanPoint Marine Lending, a business line of BankNewport, specializes in consumer marine and recreational vehicle financing programs.

Through its All In Giving program, BankNewport is committed to supporting nonprofits with areas of impact focused on basic human needs, children and families, education, economic security, healthy lives, arts and culture, and the environment. BankNewport has awarded over $9.8 million in grants, sponsorships, and donations over the past ten years to a wide range of nonprofits to help strengthen and enrich lives and communities throughout Rhode Island. Financial education and community service performed by employees totals 10,000 hours annually. For more information, please visit www.BankNewport.com.