FW: [EXTERNAL] Teen Institute August 19th - 23rd Application
Rudolph, Jen
Hi everyone,
I wanted to pass along an opportunity through my network that may be of interest to some of you or the students and partners you work with.
Quick note: this program is not affiliated with Roger Williams Park Zoo—I’m simply helping a colleague spread the word.
The R.I. Teen Institute is a long-running (36 years) youth leadership conference taking place August 19–23, 2026. It’s a 5-day immersive experience designed to help high school students build leadership skills, explore challenges they face, and connect with peers from across Rhode Island.
They are currently:
- Recruiting high school participants (goal of 35 students)
- Hiring adult staff, with a $2,000 stipend for the full week (includes overnight commitment and training)
This could be a great fit for students in your programs, community partners, or staff interested in youth leadership development.
I’ve attached the applications and flyer for more details. If you want to learn more or get involved, you can reach out directly to:
Wole Akinbi
Email Wole Akinbi
401-545-6691
Thanks for helping spread the word!
Best,
Jen
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Jennifer Rudolph (she/her/hers) Manager of Ambassador Animal Programs Roger Williams Park Zoo 1000 Elmwood Avenue Providence, RI 02907 |
Join us in conserving wildlife and wild places.
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From: Wole Akinbi <aak...@half-full.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 11:11 AM
To: Wole Akinbi <aak...@half-full.com>
Cc: Rebecca Twitchell <rtwit...@half-full.com>; Rachel Yoder <ryo...@tidesfs.org>; Katelyn Kutemeier <kkute...@tidesfs.org>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Teen Institute August 19th - 23rd Application
Importance: High
Good morning, Community Leaders & Collaborators. My name is Wole Akinbi, I'm a Facilitator & Community Liaison for half full, llc, but I'm also the Program Coordinator for R.I. Teen Institute. R.I. Teen Institute is a 36-year-old youth leadership conference for R.I. High school that spans over the course of 5 days. It is a research-based model that aims at empowering youth to learn about challenges they face as they navigate adolescence and become young leaders in their respective social circles and communities.
We are currently recruiting 35 young people to attend the 2nd Teen Institute of 2026. At the first 1 we facilitated during April Break of this year; we had a total of 44 young people including 8 alumni youth staff. This time around we are looking to recruit as many young people as possible to hit our target # 35 participants. On top of recruiting participants, we are also looking to recruit a crew of qualified, and seasoned adult staff!
Our adult staff team will be comprised of 15 adults. 10 Family Group & Action Group Leaders, along with 5 Admin Staff, including an onsite Nurse and Clinician. Each adult staff will need to commit to the full week of the experience, that includes the overnight component and will receive a $2,000 taxable stipend for their time. Adults who apply to be staff will also need to attend preparatory trainings with our fiscal agent Tides Family Services on child safety, mandatory reporting etc.
Attached is a copy of the youth application, staff application, and a copy of the August 2026 Teen Institute recruitment flyer! We'll be grateful with any assistance you all can provide in the recruitment process. Best of luck to all the educators wrapping up the school year with graduations this week! Sending you all healing energy as you round out the year! If folks have any questions, please let me know via text, email, or phone. Have a great rest of the week!
“There is no story that is not true, [...] The world has no end, and what is good among one people is an abomination with others.” – Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart
“The key to good decision making is not knowledge. It is understanding. We are swimming in the former. We are desperately lacking in the latter.” – Malcolm Gladwell, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
Best Regards,
Wole T. Akinbi
Facilitator/Community Liaison
he/him/his
c: 401-545-6691
o: 401-648-3596
email: aak...@half-full.com
