Organization Background

Founded in 1981, Leadership Rhode Island (LRI) is dedicated to cultivating impactful leaders and fostering positive change throughout the state. Engaging a diverse alumni network of 3,000+ leaders through shared experiences, LRI activates and connects individuals across industries, ideologies, and identities to address community challenges and opportunities. This RFP reflects LRI's commitment to civic and community engagement by supporting the innovative vision of the 2023 Transform Rhode Island Scholarship winner, Siya Singhal.

Project Overview

In 2023, Siya Singhal, a 14-year-old freshman at the Wheeler School, won the Papitto Opportunity Connection’s Transform Rhode Island Scholarship by answering the question, “If you had a million dollars to improve the lives of those who need it most in Rhode Island, how would you do it?” Siya was awarded a scholarship, a one-million-dollar investment in her vision, and a seat at the table as Leadership Rhode Island champions and implements her vision. Inspired by her own experiences, Siya envisions a future where cultural confidence is every child’s superpower, fostered by collective cultural humility developed through interactive learning and shared experiences.

Scope of Work

Leadership Rhode Island, in collaboration with Papitto Opportunity Connection, is seeking proposals for workshops, cultural programs, arts programs, etc. to assist in achieving Siya’s goal of increasing cultural confidence and cultural humility amongst elementary school-aged youth.  The guidelines and scope of work are intentionally broad to encourage creative and diverse proposals.

Collaboration with Leadership Rhode Island, Papitto Opportunity Connection, and directly with Siya Singhal throughout the project's implementation is imperative.

Objective (The Why?):

The core objective of this project is to empower elementary school-aged students throughout Rhode Island by fostering cultural humility through engaging and interactive learning experiences that align with Siya’s vision.

• Does your proposal demonstrate a clear and compelling understanding of Siya’s vision to promote cultural confidence to build cultural humility? 

• Are the proposed content and delivery methods culturally sensitive and relevant to the diverse population of Rhode Island? 

Deliverables (The What?):  

The experiences proposed can include workshops, cultural programming, arts programming, and/or alternative learning opportunities, and can take place regularly or as a one-time opportunity.  

• What interactive experiences do you propose to facilitate throughout Rhode Island? 

• What tools or methods will you use to assess the impact of the proposed experiences on increasing cultural confidence and humility among elementary school-aged youth? 

• What do you hope youth will do/say/feel differently as a result of the proposed work? 

• Is the proposed project age & developmentally appropriate?

• Could this material be used in a variety of communities across the state, or is it best suited for specific locations? 

Approach (The How?): 

We anticipate a wide array of proposals, each including its unique approaches and activities. Explain the methodologies, strategies, and key steps you/your organization will take to ensure success.  

• Interactive Engagement: 

• How are the proposed activities unique and creative? 

• How will youth be encouraged to participate with the material and in the activities? 

• Building Cultural Confidence & Humility: 

• How will various cultures in Rhode Island and beyond be explored via the proposed activities? 

• How will the activities contribute to participants' sense of identity, increase their self-esteem, and promote empathy & appreciation for cultures different from their own?

• Critical Thinking: 

• How will the proposed activities inspire youth to ask questions, explore different ideas, and engage with new perspectives?

Capacity & Capability (The Who?): 

We welcome proposals from cultural, educational, and/or youth-based organizations with compatible experience in completing similar projects. 

• Do you/your organization have demonstrated experience developing and delivering culturally relevant educational programs, working with elementary school-aged children, and facilitating interactive learning experiences? 

• Do you/your organization currently have the ability to manage and execute the proposed project successfully? 

• Are there potential partnerships you can explore with community organizations, after-school programs, and/or cultural institutions?

Timeline & Sustainability (The When?): 

Clearly outline your project’s proposed schedule, including key milestones and deadlines.  Also explain your plan for long-term viability and positive impact beyond initial completion. 

• Is the proposed plan, timeline, and budget practical? 

• Could the program be expanded or sustained beyond the scope of your proposed timeline?  

Next steps

Submissions may be uploaded in a slideshow, video, written document, or another applicable format. You are welcome to submit in one format or multiple formats — all will be considered.

Please submit your proposal in the format that works best for you — slideshow, video, written document, or other. Only one format is required, but you may upload additional materials if you’d like.

Proposals will be reviewed, and decisions will be made on a rolling basis. Our team will respond within approximately two weeks of submission.