WindWinRI
WindWinRI supports Rhode Island high-school students through hands-on energy projects, competitions, and paid work-based learning to prepare them for education and careers in clean energy and the blue economy.
Funder: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
Due Dates: February–December 2026 (program period; contact for enrollment details)
Funding Amounts: 80-hour program with paid work-based learning; no WindWinRI award amount listed
Summary: WindWinRI introduces Rhode Island high-school students to renewable-energy, engineering, clean-energy, and blue-economy careers through hands-on learning.
Key Information: For students ages 14–18 at interested high schools in the communities served.
Description
WindWinRI is an 80-hour career-exploration program led by the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce through Real Skills for Youth, an initiative supported by the Governor’s Workforce Board within the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. Offered at interested high schools, it combines applied projects, industry-validated competitions, dual-enrollment opportunities, and paid work-based learning. Students design, test, and present energy systems while developing technical and professional skills.
The program aims to prepare students for postsecondary education or direct entry into careers in clean energy and the blue economy. Its pathways span welding, construction, general operations, finance, environmental sciences, supply-chain management, and engineering. Real Skills for Youth is part of PrepareRI’s broader effort to connect young people with career exposure and work-based learning.
