Our Mission

Jamestown Education Foundation is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to providing educational and cultural enrichment for students in Jamestown. JEF works in partnership with Jamestown public schools and community organizations to support innovative programs that inspire young minds, encourage academic excellence and promote healthy lifestyle choices.

We need your continued support as we refine existing programs and sponsor new ones. Our annual budget is small, yet the need for extra-curricular programming for students continues to grow. Our volunteers work tirelessly, collaborating with the Jamestown schools, the Recreation Department, and other organizations to make learning innovative, relevant and exciting for Jamestown students. If you are not already a member, please consider joining us in our efforts.

What's New?

Ruggiero Secures Legislative Grant for Jamestown Education Foundation
JEF is pleased to announce a legislative grant of $500 secured by Rep. Deborah Ruggiero. "JEF is a tremendous resource for Jamestown students as they partner with schools and community organizations so kids can learn more about the environment, science, the arts, and the world around them. I'm happy to help promote their mission,” said Representative Ruggiero (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown). The grant will be used to support some of the many programs JEF makes possible for Jamestown youth. “Representative Ruggeiro is helping JEF to continue providing excellent after-school programs, summer camps and other exciting opportunities for Jamestown youth. We are honored to receive this grant and are very grateful to have Representative Ruggiero’s support,” said JEF President Mary Hall Keen.

2009 Save the Bay Summer Camp:
JEF again collaborates with Save The Bay and the Jamestown Recreation Department to offer this highly acclaimed hands-on learning experience. Trained naturalists from STB work with students as they explore the beaches, salt marshes, rocky shores and shallows of our island. The week-long camp, which includes one day out on the water in STB’s education boat, runs for one week in July and another in August.

Click here for more information!

Current Programs

After-School Program: Spring 2009 begins on April 20th. New programs include Photography, Cooking, Creative Drama, Karate, Hip Hop, and a Sewing Class to make messenger bags out of recycled drink pouches!

Click here for more information!

Teen Center: In 2004, JEF co-founded the Conanicut Community Coalition (CCC) to provide social activities for Jamestown adolescents. The CCC secured a grant from the Rhode Island Foundation for $50,000 for three years to develop and staff a Teen Center as a healthy recreational outlet for students between ages 11and 15. The Center operated for several years without a permanent space until Feb. 15th, 2008, when the Teen Center held a Grand Opening in its new space within the town’s Recreation Department.

Click here for more information!