CRANSTON, RI – On a warm August morning in 2025, Mayor Ken Hopkins joined city and school officials to mark the beginning of a transformative project that promises to reshape career education in Cranston. The reconstruction of the Cranston Apprenticeship Exploration School represents a significant investment in the city's youth and a bold commitment to preparing students for the evolving demands of the modern workforce.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the school site, drew a crowd of educators, business leaders, students, and community members eager to witness the start of this ambitious undertaking. With shovels in hand and hard hats on their heads, the dignitaries turned the first soil on a project that has been years in the making. "This school will serve as a bridge between education and employment," Mayor Hopkins declared. "It will give our young people the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience they need to succeed in high-demand careers."
The Cranston Apprenticeship Exploration School is designed to provide students with exposure to a wide range of career pathways through a combination of classroom instruction and real-world apprenticeship experiences. Unlike traditional high schools, which often focus primarily on academic preparation for college, the Apprenticeship Exploration School recognizes that not all students follow the same path—and that career and technical education can be just as valuable as a four-year degree.
Students at the school will have the opportunity to explore fields such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, construction trades, culinary arts, and more. Through partnerships with local businesses and industry organizations, students will gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields, working alongside professionals and learning the skills that employers are actively seeking.
The decision to reconstruct the school rather than simply renovate the existing facility reflects the city's commitment to creating a state-of-the-art learning environment. The new building will feature modern classrooms, specialized labs and workshops, collaborative learning spaces, and technology infrastructure designed to support twenty-first-century education.
Funding for the project comes from a combination of city resources, state grants, and federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The project represents one of the largest investments in education infrastructure in Cranston's recent history, underscoring the city's belief that quality education is the foundation of a thriving community.
Local business leaders have expressed strong support for the project, recognizing the mutual benefits of partnering with the school. For the students who will walk through its doors, the new school represents opportunity and possibility.
Mayor Hopkins, reflecting on the significance of the project, summed it up simply: "We are building more than a school. We are building the future of Cranston."