On May 19, 2023, Polaris MEP and the Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) hosted a grand opening event to launch the transformational manufacturing training hub, JARC Rhode Island.

More than 150 industry leaders, ecosystem partners and political stakeholders joined in the ribbon cutting event. In this video, hear from speakers including Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner, JARC President Regan Brewer, Polaris MEP Director of Workforce & Community Partnerships Lindsey Brickle, JARC Lead Instructor Adonis Summerville, University of Rhode Island Research Foundation Executive Director Christian Cowan, Saint Gobain (Bristol, RI) VP Craig Danko, and Polaris MEP Center Director Matt Watson.

JARC RI is a new manufacturing-focused training center located on Sims Avenue in Providence. Modeled off JARC’s proven workforce development efforts in Chicago and Baltimore, the core mission of JARC RI is to advance the needs of the manufacturing sector while creating “pathways out of poverty” by connecting traditionally underserved Rhode Islanders with the necessary training to compete for well-paying, high-growth job opportunities.

Services offered at JARC RI’s Providence hub will include free job training programs in advanced manufacturing, as well as support services such as job placement assistance, financial coaching, and English language classes.

Learn more at www.JARCRI.org.