Mission, Vision, Values

Mission

Inspiring Minds empowers students for success in school and life by supporting them with trusted relationships, tutoring and mentoring from inspired community members.

Vision

Inspiring Minds imagines a time when all Providence public school students have an equal chance at academic success. Education is truly a path to a brighter future for every one of our children, a path made possible when the entire community accepts responsibility for ensuring that all public school students have genuine opportunities to reach their full potential. We envision an urban public school system that is justly funded, academically challenging, and offers an enriching and nurturing environment.

Inspiring Minds also foresees cementing its role as a highly-valued, innovative education partner, an organization that has impact because it relies on research-based findings. It builds the “collective will” through thought leadership and by training community members to provide culturally competent tutoring and mentoring services and ensuring that students have supportive relationships with caring adults. In turn, Inspiring Minds is sustained by those who see student success as a key to Rhode Island’s future.

Values

Students first. Students are always the primary beneficiary and central focus of our work. Closing educational achievement gaps is central to improving social mobility and increasing opportunity.

Achievement driven. We hold ourselves and our students to high standards and expectations. Everyone can succeed with the right supports and resources.

Culturally competent. Our students bring their own socio-cultural experience to school. Understanding and responding to the knowledge and experiences of each individual learner is important to personalizing their learning experience and encouraging the belief they can grow and learn.

Community connectors. The entire community has a responsibility to support student success and to close the achievement gap. Inspiring Minds connects caring and committed adults to students.

Relationships matter. Students feel supported and important when they experience strong relationships with adults. Such relationships improve attitudes, behaviors and mindsets that are integral to student success.

Evidence-based. We use qualitative and quantitative data and research to inform our organizational decisions and spark dynamic and innovative responses.