Welcome to The College Crusade of Rhode Island

The College Crusade of Rhode Island is an innovative nonprofit organization founded in 1989 to reduce high school dropout rates and increase educational and career success for low-income urban youth. Each year we serve approximately 3,700 Crusaders from Rhode Island’s most disadvantaged communities – Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Woonsocket. Our services combine the steady, nurturing presence of caring adults with a rich array of programs that focus on academic enrichment, social and personal development, career awareness and exploration, and preparation for postsecondary education. Students who are members of The College Crusade graduate and go right on to college at much higher rates than their peers in the state’s urban school districts. Since 2001, we have awarded over $20 million in college scholarships to more than 2,700 graduates from Rhode Island high schools.

The College Crusade is funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s GEAR UP program, by the State of Rhode Island, and by private corporations, foundations, and individuals.