Lilian and Elianny at a Family Engagement workshop in December
Achievement First and Providence Promise
Achievement First's Rhode Island Senior Director of External Relations Jillian Fain initiated the relationship between PVD Promise and AF's Rhode Island schools when she realized that students in Providence weren't participating in the State’s 529 College Savings plan as much because they either didn't know about it or thought they couldn't afford it. She wanted to make sure Providence families knew about this and that there was a team to support them in leveraging this resource. Jill connected PVD Promise's Executive Director, Madalyn Ciampi, to AF's principals and helped them get into the schools and connect with parents.
Lilian Vargas' oldest child, Joshua, attended Achievement First schools from Kindergarten to eighth grade. Her youngest, Elianny, is in kindergarten at AF Providence Mayoral Academy Elementary School and is taking advantage of the Early Scholarship Program. Lilian heard about PVD Promise two years ago from a friend, noting, "I talked to Juan to learn more about the program, and now I love it.”
Lilian appreciates PVD Promise and what they do so much that she became involved as a Family Champion, sharing her wealth of knowledge with other parents. She walks into the schools and talks to the parents, similar to how she learned about the program herself. "I tell parents - your child can earn money for college. They will help you set up the account. It is free, and you can start depositing whenever you want. You earn up to $250 a month!"
Elianny with big brother Joshua this fall
Community Impact
PVD Promise goes beyond individual success stories; it fosters community and collective growth, further aligning with AF’s overall mission since 1998 and working in the Providence area since 2013. By investing in the education of local youth, the initiative contributes to the overall development of the Providence community. Likewise, AF is proud to offer free, quality education opportunities for Providence families and to remain active in the community, engaging in local programs to support families, expanding our presence in beautiful new buildings, and creating a learning environment that the community can be excited about.
PVD Promise also partners with community organizations, including the Providence Public Library and College Visions, among many others.
Bright Futures
Achievement First is honored to partner with PVD Promise. Workshops on financial literacy and college readiness further equip students and parents alike, and promoting positive student outcomes aligns with AF’s mission, creating a synergy that propels students toward self-improvement and purposeful leadership.
Our partnership with PVD Promise is a testament to AF’s belief that education is a powerful tool for transformation. It paves the way for a future where every student can aspire to achieve their dreams by breaking down financial barriers, providing mentorship, and fostering community connections. As Lilian said, "We are all there for the same purposes: getting the best for our kids and helping them succeed."
To contribute or learn more, visit the PVD Promise website.
Learn more about AF’s Rhode Island schools here. 
