Governor McKee, East Greenwich Leaders, Celebrate Groundbreaking of Community Learning Center
Published on Friday, June 13, 2025
A 1,500-square-foot expansion to the Swift Community Center is part of the Governor’s initiative to provide learning, job development, and health and wellness programming in centers around the state
EAST GREENWICH, RI — Governor Dan McKee, East Greenwich Town Manager Andrew Nota, and other town leaders held a ceremonial groundbreaking for a Community Learning Center—a 1,500 square-foot expansion to the historic Swift Community Center on Peirce Street.
The Community Learning Center, supported by nearly $1.6 million of the McKee Administration’s American Rescue Plan Act's Capital Projects Fund, aligns with the Governor’s priorities in his RI 2030 plan—improving educational outcomes, raising incomes, and supporting the health and wellness of Rhode Islanders.
“East Greenwich has been an outstanding partner in this work, and the Peirce Street expansion is one of more than 20 Community Learning Centers that will be opening in locations throughout Rhode Island over the next 18 months,” said Governor Dan McKee, who has allocated more than $81 million in federal funds toward the larger project. “The centers will play a key role in expanding access to our Learn365RI initiative, which creates youth learning opportunities outside of the regular school day.”
The expansion will add two dedicated multipurpose classrooms, an additional restroom, and adaptable spaces for computer labs, job training and adult education, after-school learning labs, telehealth, and on-site health screenings.
“We're not just expanding a building—we're honoring East Greenwich's history while creating spaces for future generations,” said Town Manager Andrew E. Nota when referring to the building expansion. “The thoughtful design ensures the original structure remains visually prominent while incorporating modern accessibility, technology infrastructure, and flexible configurations required for 21st-century workforce development.”
East Greenwich Youth Recreation Supervisor Joshua Wolff added that new out-of-school programming planned for the center will build off the Governor’s Learn365RI initiative, which is already making a positive impact in East Greenwich. “Learn365RI has provided the East Greenwich community with $145,000 in funding thus far to support a diverse collection of tutoring and enrichment programming,” said Wolff. “We’ve served over 300 students this past school year for a combined 2,000 hours of tutoring and enrichment programs.”
He also mentioned the Governor’s Math Matters RI program, which is part of the larger Learn365RI initiative, adding, “We’re excited for a busy summer, which includes our upcoming three-week summer math camp in addition to several math enrichment programs this Summer through Rhode Island’s Math Matters RI grant.”
The Swift Community Center expansion is scheduled for completion by March 2026, with all programs operational by December 31, 2026, as required by federal funding guidelines. The project will maintain full building operations during construction to minimize disruption to the community members who rely on daily programming.