Education
TUITION ASSISTANCE AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Tuition Assistance
Throughout the year, financial assistance grants can be made to qualifying clients who enroll in adult education or certificate programs for the purpose of enhancing job skills and increasing earning potential.
Scholarships & Grants
SCHOLARSHIP FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
The Jonnycake Center of Westerly awards scholarships to selected graduating high school seniors residing in our service areas: Westerly, Charlestown, Richmond, and Hopkinton who are pursuing post-secondary education. The scholarship committee considers commitment to the community, financial need, and academic achievement. All students are welcome to submit completed applications directly to The Jonnycake Center of Westerly. Westerly and Chariho students should return completed applications to their Guidance Departments.
RI Real Jobs Partnership Program (Temporarily Suspended due to COVID-19)
Note: in accordance with state and federal guidelines, the Real Jobs RI program is temporarily suspended. We anticipate offering this unique program again as soon as possible. The following information is presented for reference purposes.
Thanks to the RI Real Jobs Partnership, the Jonnycake Center now offers free education and training on essential skills, digital literacy, resume writing, and interviewing techniques. This program offers a $200 weekly stipend to participants and a partially subsidized internship at a local employer.
RI Real Jobs Partnership Program is a state funded grant that assists RI residents in finding employment. Students that enroll in the program undergo a short interviewing process and complete an application that is sent to the state along with a criminal background check. Students also must pass an academic pretest to assure that they will be eligible for the program. Once the student completes all of these steps they will be notified of their acceptance.
After Orientation, students commit to a 6-week program, Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm with classes held at the Jonnycake Center. The first four weeks consist of digital literacy classes where students become certified in Microsoft Office-Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Students also participate in soft skills training, learn interviewing techniques and resume building classes. Certification in Safe Serve for Food Handling and Alcohol are available for students interested in the Restaurant Hospitality field.
Through RI REAL JOBS students are offered opportunities to interact with local community businesses and to access resources they might not have been aware of. Some of these experiences include: a tour of the Westerly Education Center, where students meet with representatives from CCRI, RIC and Electric Boat to learn about higher education and trades opportunities. We also participate in a tour of the Wilcox Library, where students take part in an INDEED Classes led by the Library Staff. Lastly, we offer an Alumni and Business Panel for students to gain some insight into the process of overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
Once students complete their in-class training, they are ready for a two week internship. The 60 hour internship is chosen based upon the students interest and background along with needs in the community. Students will utilize the skills they have acquired to leave a lasting impression in hopes of gaining permanent employment or a positive resume reference.