Welcome to River Valley Project Explore

The RVPE Foundation provides scholarships to help cover the cost of Project Explore classes and events for participants who live within the five-district consortium (ISD 191, 192, 194, 195, and 196).

How scholarships work:
Let us know which Project Explore class(es) or event(s) you would like to attend. If eligible, the RVPE Foundation will cover the cost of that activity, up to $150 per participant per year. 

Questions or ready to get started?
Contact us at projectexplore@district196.org or call Shannon at 651-423-7931.

Wondering when a caregiver needs to register or attend a Project Explore activity? Here is a quick guide to help. Our goal is to ensure every participant has the support they need to safely enjoy Project Explore programs. If you’re unsure whether a caregiver is required for a specific activity, please reach out—we’re happy to help.

Caregiver registration required:
Activities that require caregiver registration are listed in the Caregiver Events section of the catalog (see page 13).

When a caregiver must attend:
A caregiver is required to accompany and supervise a participant at all Project Explore activities in the following situations:

• Participants who need personal assistance due to physical and/or behavioral needs

• All field trips, unless the participant is their own legal guardian

• Participants with an active seizure disorder

Project Explore promotes inclusion of adults with developmental, sensory, cognitive and physical disabilities in a variety of Community Education programs and makes reasonable accommodations to provide an enriching experience for all participants. Your cooperation in following the guidelines listed below helps to make the classes and trips run smoothly and safely.

1. Pre-registration is required for all classes, activities and trips. Walk-ins will be accepted for dances and Bingo, but prepayment and reservations are appreciated.
2. The instructor or staff is in the classroom no earlier than 30 minutes prior to class. Check in with the Project Explore staff and confirm the best time to return and pick up the participant; this needs to be at least 15 minutes prior to the end of class.
3. Participants who require personal assistance for physical and/or behavioral issues must be accompanied and supervised for all activities and events by their caregiver.
4. All participants must be accompanied for field trips, unless they are their own guardian. Call the office with any questions.
5. Any participant with an active seizure disorder must be accompanied and supervised at all Project Explore activities by their caregiver.
6. All Project Explore programs are school district sponsored, so there is no smoking on school grounds. All programs are alcohol free.
7. Transportation to and from all activities is the responsibility of the participant. Exceptions are for “Out On The Town” activities where a bus is provided.
8. Instructors are not expected to, nor are trained to provide the level of assistance often required by people with disabilities. Instructors are not familiar with all the personal, physical or behavioral needs of the participants.
9. Any individuals attending any of our activities on their own are asked to carry emergency contact information with them
10. If you do not wish for the image and likeness of you to be used for Project Explore or ISD 196’s promotional materials and publications, contact the Communication Department at communityed@district196.org or call 651-423-7701.
11. Please do not bring any outside food or drink to non-meal events. It may cause inappropriate behavior from some participants. We appreciate your help.
12. Arriving Late: Participants that arrive at an activity 30 minutes or more after the start time may not be permitted to complete all projects, activities or the event.
13. Inclement Weather: In case of inclement weather check the ISD 196 website and our outgoing voice message. We will make every effort to contact you.

•    Full refunds will be given if classes are cancelled by Project Explore.
•    Refund requests received five (5) working days prior to a class qualify for a refund.
•    Requests received less than five (5) working days before class start may not receive a refund.
•    Exceptions are made due to serious illness or family emergencies.
•    Once tickets are purchased for “Out On The Town” events, refunds will not be made unless there is someone on our waiting list.

Project Explore has a Facebook page. We post photos, videos, activities, class or program updates, and more. Go to https://www.facebook.com/projectexploreofficial to check us out.