It’s easy to make a difference.

Whether you want to help a young preschooler to identify their name or a 4th grader decode literature, or to just be a positive role model in a child’s life, Inspiring Minds will train you and match you with students who need your help. Our services are offered to Providence public school students at no cost to them or their families.

The application process to become a volunteer is straightforward; simply apply via our online volunteer management system, GivePulse. Start your application today.

• Upon receipt of your online application, we will review and contact you to register for an orientation session.
• Orientation sessions are 2 hours at which time you must present a photo ID.
• After clearing a standard background and reference checks, we’ll notify you about your placement. Please review our fact sheet about background checks below prior to your orientation session. You do not need to have the background check to attend orientation.

How to obtain your BCI

All volunteers must complete the Rhode Island BCI background check annually. There are three* ways to apply for a BCI: In Person with the Attorney General, by mail through the Attorney General, or through Inspiring Minds.

1. You can apply in person at the Attorney General’s Office in Cranston. Appear at the BCI window with a valid form of identification and payment. Examples of acceptable identification include:

• Valid state issued driver’s license
• Valid state issued identification card
• Valid United States passport

Address:
BCI Customer Service Center
4 Howard Avenue (Pastore Complex) Cranston, RI
401-274-4400
Hours of Operation Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(Please arrive before 4:00 p.m.) No Holidays

The cost for a state background check, or BCI as it is referred to, is $5.00.  Note: there is no fee for background checks for folks over 62 in person or by mail at the Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General’s office only accepts credit cards at the window (cash not accepted).  Please note: a processing fee of two percent plus 50 cents will be charged per credit card transaction.

2. You can apply by mail, directly to the Attorney General. Please allow seven (7) business days for return. 

• Download and complete the BCI form and have it notarized. Inspiring Minds has notaries on staff.
• Attach a copy of a valid form of photo identification. Examples of acceptable identification include:
  • • • Valid state issued driver’s license***Front and Back of Driver’s license
      • Valid state issued identification card
      • Valid United States passport
• Enclose a check or money order for $5.00 per state background check, payable to “BCI.” Credit cards and cash not accepted by mail. Note: there is no fee for background checks for folks over 62 in person or by mail at the Attorney General’s Office.
• Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope addressed to:
  Inspiring Minds
  65 Pavilion Avenue
  Providence, RI 02905
• Mail the entire package to: BCI Customer Service Center 4 Howard Avenue Cranston, RI 02920

3. You can have Inspiring Minds facilitate the process to obtain your background check.

• Register for one of our BCI clinics, call to make an appointment, or ask to have it done at orientation.
• On the day of your appointment, bring your ID and $11.00 fee (cash, credit, or check).
• Valid forms of photo identification (Once we have your ID we will upload it to GivePulse):
  • • Valid state issued driver’s license (front and back)
    • Valid state issued identification card
    • Valid United States passport

4. Some local police departments also offer this service. You can check with your city or town’s police department.