North Kingstown Youth Commission awarded $6,900 for water fountains and school supplies

The North Kingstown Town Council on May 12 approved two grant-funded projects proposed by the 2024–2025 North Kingstown Youth Commission, authorizing $4,400 for filtered water-fountain purchase and installation and $2,500 for a school-supply drive.

Kayla Van Gordon, representing the Youth Commission, explained the program is supported by the recreation department and funded through the Learn365 grant. Student presenters described the water-fountain proposal as a filtered unit with a bottle-filler to reduce shared-mouth contact; Ryan Jewett said the commission “decided on water bubbles” and described the commission’s hygiene rationale. The students estimated a $2,200 unit cost plus $2,200 for installation (total $4,400) and proposed ordering by May with installation by June 2025.

For the school-supply drive, presenters said they had coordinated with the Office of Family Learning to identify higher-need items for distribution to families. The Youth Commission requested $2,500 to purchase headphones, pencil sharpeners, dry-erase markers, basic calculators and water bottles; they said items would be ordered in May and distributed before the 2025–26 school year via the Office of Family Learning.

Councilmembers moved and seconded a motion to fund both projects; the president announced approval by voice vote.

Why it matters: The grants direct Learn365 funds to tangible student-focused projects — hydration stations in town parks and targeted supplies for families served by the Office of Family Learning. The water-fountain proposal includes coordination with North Kingstown Parks and Recreation for installation and an identified installer, and the supply drive relies on the Office of Family Learning for distribution.

The council also encouraged the student presenters and recognized the Office of Family Learning’s role in distribution and needs assessment.