Providence families: get ready to sign up for a summer of learning, fun. Eat, Play, Learn PVD

Mayor Brett Smiley Announces Return of EAT, PLAY, LEARN PVD 

Providence families encouraged to learn more and sign up for summer programs at Summer Opportunities Fair, April 5 at Providence Career & Technical Academy 

Mayor Brett P. Smiley and Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, Councilman Miguel Sanchez, Providence Public Schools Superintendent Javier Montañez, Director of Recreation Stephen Grace, Principal Alicia Jones and community partners to announce the return of EAT, PLAY, LEARN, Providence’s summer learning programming that offers no cost summer meals, quality recreation opportunities, project-based learning opportunities and summer employment.

Families can sign up online beginning Saturday, April 5th and are encouraged to attend the Summer Opportunities Fair happening at the Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA) on that day from 10AM to 12PM to learn more about these programs. More information about programming can be found at https://epl.providenceri.gov/. 

“Offering Providence children and youth a world-class education, inside and outside of the classroom continues to be my number one priority,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “This programming ensures that our students have access to meaningful learning experiences outside of the traditional classroom and quality summer programs that are essential for their long-term success and well-being. I’m proud that the City of Providence is providing affordable recreational camps and free, nutritious meals to our youth throughout the summer. I encourage families to join us at this year’s Summer Opportunities Fair to learn more about these valuable programs.”  

EAT 

Similar to previous years, the City of Providence Parks and Recreation Departments will provide free and nutritious meals to all youth ages 18 and under through the Summer Meals Program, which ensures children receive healthy meals when school is out. This summer, Providence will serve lunches at more than 33 neighborhood schools, parks, recreation centers, pools and waterparks. Meal service will begin on June 23 at recreation camps and June 30 at all park locations. Last year, to accommodate increased demand, the City extended meal service to Monday through Saturday, ensuring accessibility for all families. Locations and times are listed online, with Saturday meals being offered only at Bucklin Park and cooling centers. During inclement weather and throughout the summer, times and locations may vary or change, so parents and families should call either 2-1-1 or 3-1-1 during business hours to find a summer meal site in their neighborhood. 

PLAY 

Recreation centers will offer all-day summer recreation camps at just $5/week. This year’s summer program will have 200 more slots than in summer 2024. Providence will be offering youth 1,400 camp slots to sports camps, 660 slots to day camps and 75 slots to specialty sailing and biking camps. In addition to recreational programming, Providence residents are encouraged to explore Providence parks through PlayCorps, Fitness in the Parks and the City’s Park Finder. Providence families may attend the Summer Opportunities Fair for more information on how to register for summer recreation programming and can sign up online for recreational camps starting on April 12. 

Providence Community Libraries will be offering literacy programming throughout the summer, including a Mobile Library aimed at enhancing reading skills. Elementary students and their families are encouraged to download the 2025 booklet which will be available in early May online or visit a community library to receive a printed copy, to track their summer reading. 

“This programming is an excellent opportunity for Providence youth to stay active, develop valuable skills and engage with their community this summer,” said the City of Providence’s Director of Recreation Stephen Grace. “Our recreation centers will play an essential role in these efforts, offering a variety of activities—from sports and outdoor fun to arts and enrichment programs—as well as summer job opportunities that allow young people to gain work experience, build leadership skills and connect with their community. To help families learn more and get registered, we encourage them to attend our pre-registration sessions on March 19th and March 26th at 6 PM at Joslin Recreation Center or follow our recreation department’s social media for updates and additional opportunities.”  

LEARN 

The City of Providence and Providence Public School District are collaborating to offer enriching summer learning programs for students of all ages, with a total allocation of up to $1,160,000 dedicated to supporting K-12 programs. Students will engage in active and project-based learning opportunities during the summer months. Parents can find more information about these programs at the Summer Opportunities Fair that will be held on April 5, where program providers will be available for inquiries and registration, both in person and online, through the EAT PLAY LEARN PVD website.

Additionally, the City of Providence will continue to support employment opportunities for Providence youth. Summer jobs will be available in the City of Providence Recreation Department and Parks Department, as well as with community partners through the One Providence for Youth workforce development program. Applications for summer jobs within the City’s Recreation and Parks Department will open on April 5, coinciding with the Summer Opportunities Fair.  

Additionally, this year, the City and Providence Public School District are receiving technical assistance to improve student outcomes in summer learning programs through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Idea Exchange. The technical assistance program aims to maximize student impact and offer expert guidance in designing, planning and implementing a summer learning program. 

Families interested in registering for summer recreation programs are encouraged to attend pre-registration sessions on March 19th and March 26th at 6 PM at Joslin Recreation Center, where they can learn more about available camps, activities and create an account. Additional updates and details will also be shared on the Providence Recreation Department’s social media channels. 

More information on summer meals, recreation opportunities and park programming can be found at https://epl.providenceri.gov/. For questions, contact the Mayor’s Center for City Services at City Hall by dialing 3-1-1 or by visiting the new PVD311 website at 311.providenceri.gov.