Rhode Island Commerce Corporation

The buyer seeks to award grants to organizations for workforce development in Ocean Tech Hub core industries. The program aims to prepare at least 100 students for future learning and employment in robotics, sensors, advanced materials, composites, and AI/ML with a focus on undersea applications. The buyer anticipates awarding 1-4 grants to support student interest and skills in these up-and-coming industries critical to regional economic development and security.

• 2/19/2025 - RFP Open Date
• 3/12/2025 - Question Submission Deadline
• 3/17/2025 - Question Response Posting
• 3/28/2025 - Proposal Due Date
• 12/1/2025 - Project Completion Deadline

• Be an Eligible Entity (RI public high school, accredited higher education institution, or RI-based employer)
• Demonstrated success in supporting education and workforce development in OTH industries
• Represent collaboration between high school, industry, and higher education
• Commit to including efforts on RI Work-Based Learning Navigator and PrepareRI

• Develop courses for high school or associate's degree in OTH core technology areas
• Create internship opportunities for high school students in OTH industries
• Establish mentorship programs with industry representatives for high school students
• Design programs for advanced hard-skills development in OTH sectors
• Implement coursework or credentialing pathways aligned with OTH career and technical education
• Organize industry engagement activities like competitions in OTH technology areas
• Collaborate with Community College of Rhode Island to advance OTH vision
• Prepare at least 100 students for future learning and employment in OTH industries
• Develop sustainability plan for proposed programming efforts
• Track and report metrics on students served and industry professionals engaged