Updated October 2026
TL;DR
Brown University’s Leadership Institute is a pre-college program for high school students interested in social justice, community engagement, and leadership. You can attend a two-week program on Brown’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island, or a four-week online program. Both formats focus on understanding social issues, developing leadership skills, and creating an Action Plan that you can apply in your school or community. The tuition is $4,748 for on-campus commuters, $6,052 for residential students, and $5,778 for online students. If you want to develop an independent research project with a mentor, you can also explore the Horizon Academic Research Program.
If you want to understand how leadership can help address social issues, the Brown University Leadership Institute offers an excellent way to explore these questions. You’ll study a topic related to a social issue, discuss different approaches to leadership, and develop an Action Plan for your school or community. The program is available on campus and online, with different schedules for each format.
This guide covers the program’s courses, eligibility requirements, application process, tuition, financial aid, and what you can expect from the experience. You can also explore our guide to free research mentorship programs for high school students if you want to compare other academic opportunities.
What is Brown University’s Leadership Institute?
The Leadership Institute is part of Brown University’s Pre-College Programs. It brings together high school students who want to understand social issues and learn how leadership can help address them.
The program combines academic study with discussions about socially responsible leadership. You’ll explore a topic that interests you, consider how social issues affect different communities, and examine how people can work together to create change.
A central part of the program is the Action Plan. You’ll develop a project based on an issue you care about and identify practical steps you could take to address it in your school or community. Brown also asks former participants to share updates about their Action Plans one year after the program, including what worked and what challenges they encountered.
The Leadership Institute is a non-credit pre-college program. Completing it does not mean you earn Brown University course credit or a regular university grade.
You can review the official Leadership Institute page for the program’s current description and course options.
What do you study at the Leadership Institute?
The course you choose shapes your experience. Brown offers courses that connect leadership with different academic subjects and social issues, so you can select an option related to your interests.
Depending on the courses offered in a particular year, topics may include women and leadership, intercultural communication, social change through the arts, public health, or other contemporary issues. Course titles and availability can change each summer, so check the official course catalog before applying.
The program combines academic study with discussion and practical work. You’ll consider different perspectives, explore how leadership works in different contexts, and examine possible responses to the issue you are studying.
Academic discussions and group activities
You’ll participate in discussions with instructors and other high school students. These sessions give you opportunities to examine complex issues, compare viewpoints, and consider how social, cultural, and political factors influence possible solutions.
Developing an Action Plan
The Action Plan is a central part of the Leadership Institute. You’ll identify an issue you care about and develop a practical plan for addressing it.
For example, previous participants have developed projects related to gender equity, tobacco policy, mental health education, and educational access. Brown’s Action Plan Library includes examples from earlier participants and updates on projects they continued after the program.
Your own project will depend on your course, interests, and the issue you choose. You should approach the Action Plan as an opportunity to turn what you learn into a practical proposal, rather than expecting every project to produce immediate change.
What is the difference between the online and on-campus formats?
Brown offers two formats for the Leadership Institute. The on-campus option lasts two weeks, while the online option lasts four weeks.
| Feature | On-campus program | Online program |
| Duration | Two weeks | Four weeks |
| Location | Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island | Online through Brown’s learning platform |
| Learning format | In-person classes and group activities | Independent coursework, written discussions, and scheduled live sessions |
| Instructor interaction | In-person instruction and class discussions | Live workshops and individual virtual meetings |
| Weekly commitment | Scheduled classes and program activities | Approximately 15–20 hours per week |
| Action Plan | Develop an Action Plan and present it at the end of the program | Develop an Action Plan and present or share it as required by the course |
| Tuition | $4,748 commuter or $6,052 residential | $5,778 |
The on-campus format may suit you if you want to study in person, meet classmates throughout the day, and experience living on a university campus. The commuter option is available for students who can arrange their own travel to Brown.
The online format allows you to participate from home. However, it still requires a regular time commitment. Brown’s published online schedule includes independent coursework and two required live sessions each week, along with instructor meetings and group activities.
For the latest schedule and format details, review the Leadership Institute page and the online program information.
Who can apply to the Leadership Institute?
Brown’s published requirements state that applicants must be completing grades 9 through 12 and be between 14 and 18 years old by June 14. The eligibility rules and age cutoff for the next cycle should be checked when Brown publishes the updated information.
When preparing your application, keep the following points in mind:
- Grade level: The program is intended for students completing grades 9–12, subject to the requirements for the relevant cycle.
- Age: Applicants must meet the program’s age requirements for the relevant summer.
- Academic interests: You should be interested in exploring a social issue and learning how leadership can help address it.
- Motivation: Brown considers factors such as academic performance, motivation, interests, social maturity, and English language proficiency as part of its application review.
- Application materials: You may need to submit essays, academic records or grade reports, and other requested information.
Brown does not publish a single GPA cutoff for the Leadership Institute on the program overview page. However, the program reviews applications holistically, and meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.
Read the official application information carefully before submitting your materials.
Leadership Institute dates, tuition, and application details
The following table summarises the latest published information. The costs and deadlines listed are historical, not confirmed details for the next cycle.
| Detail | Latest published information |
| Host institution | Brown University |
| On-campus location | Providence, Rhode Island |
| Program formats | On campus or online |
| On-campus duration | Two weeks |
| Online duration | Four weeks |
| Eligibility | Students completing grades 9–12, ages 14–18 by June 14, 2026 |
| Residential tuition | $6,052 |
| Commuter tuition | $4,748 |
| Online tuition | $5,778 |
| Application fee | $80 (check the next cycle’s requirements) |
| Enrollment deposit | $500 non-refundable deposit |
Brown’s general Pre-College application information lists May 8 as the application deadline. Some courses may fill before a published deadline, and admission decisions are generally made after a complete application is received.
The next application deadline, course dates, tuition, and fees may change. Check Brown’s application page and program dates and costs page for updated information before making plans.
How much does the Leadership Institute cost?
For the most recent cycle, tuition depended on the format you selected.
- On-campus commuter: $4,748. The commuter option included one meal per day.
- On-campus residential: $6,052. This option included university housing and dining.
- Online: $5,778.
You should also account for any personal expenses that are not included in the program fee, such as travel to Providence for on-campus attendance.
The application process lists an $80 application fee and a non-refundable $500 enrollment deposit after admission. Confirm the current fees and payment deadlines with Brown before applying.
You can review the official program cost breakdown for the latest available information.
Does Brown offer scholarships or financial aid?
Brown offers several forms of financial assistance for eligible Pre-College students. The options available to you depend on factors such as financial need, school district, affiliation with Brown, and participation through a partner organisation.
Some of the published scholarship options include:
- Sibley Scholarships: Need-based financial assistance for eligible students. Awards depend on financial need and available funding.
- Providence Public School District (PPSD) scholarships: Support for eligible students attending schools in the Providence Public School District.
- Partnership scholarships: Opportunities for students selected through Brown’s established partner organisations.
- Brown Employee Dependent Scholarships: Assistance for eligible dependents of Brown employees.
Eligibility criteria, deadlines, and award amounts differ. Some scholarships have separate application forms and deadlines, and a scholarship may not cover every program expense. Brown also states that the $500 non-refundable deposit remains a minimum payment requirement for Sibley Scholarship recipients.
If you need financial assistance, review the requirements early rather than waiting until you have been admitted. You can find more information on Brown’s scholarships and financial aid pages.
How do you apply to the Leadership Institute?
Brown’s Pre-College application process involves submitting an application and supporting materials. The precise steps, deadlines, and available courses may change from one summer to the next.
Here’s how to prepare.
1. Review the course options
Start by exploring the Leadership Institute course catalog. Look at the available subjects and course descriptions to identify an option that fits your interests.
Think about the social issue you want to understand better and why it matters to you.
2. Check the eligibility requirements
Confirm that you meet the grade and age requirements for the upcoming cycle. Do not rely on the previous year’s eligibility dates if Brown has published updated criteria.
3. Complete the application
Follow Brown’s official application instructions and provide the required personal and academic information. The application may ask you to explain your interests, motivation, and reasons for wanting to attend. Answer these questions honestly and use specific examples where possible.
4. Prepare your academic records and other materials
Review the current requirements for transcripts or grade reports, essays, recommendations, and English language proficiency documentation, if applicable.
Brown’s requirements may differ depending on your circumstances, so use the official application instructions as your checklist.
5. Review financial assistance options
If you need a scholarship, check the eligibility criteria and deadline for the relevant funding option. Some scholarships require additional documentation and must be completed separately from the general application.
6. Submit everything before the deadline
Check that your application and all required supporting materials have been submitted. Because courses can fill before the general deadline, it is sensible to prepare early.
For current instructions, use Brown’s official application page.
What skills can you develop at the Leadership Institute?
The Leadership Institute combines academic study with practical work on a social issue. Depending on your course and Action Plan, you may develop skills in several areas.
| Skill | How you may practise it |
| Critical thinking | Examining complex social issues and considering different perspectives |
| Communication | Explaining your ideas and discussing issues with classmates and instructors |
| Collaboration | Working with other students to compare ideas and consider possible solutions |
| Problem-solving | Identifying a problem and developing a practical response |
| Project planning | Turning an idea into an Action Plan with clear steps |
| Reflection | Reviewing your assumptions, leadership approach, and progress |
| Advocacy | Considering how to communicate an issue and encourage others to engage with it |
These skills are not automatic outcomes of simply attending the program. What you develop will depend on your participation, the course you select, and the work you put into your Action Plan.
What have previous participants done with their Action Plans?
Brown’s Action Plan Library provides examples of projects developed by former Leadership Institute and Brown Environmental Leadership Lab participants.
Past Leadership Institute projects have addressed issues such as gender equity, tobacco policy, mental health education, and access to scholarship information. For example, one participant developed “Invest in Her: Breaking the Glass Ceiling,” a project focused on highlighting women in executive roles and encouraging discussion about gender equity in the workplace.
Another participant created “Mental Health Education as K-12 Core Curriculum,” while a different project focused on raising awareness about flavored tobacco products.
What are the pros and cons of the Leadership Institute?
The Leadership Institute may suit you if you want to study a social issue and develop a project connected to your interests. However, it is worth considering the costs, format, and academic expectations before applying.
Pros
- A practical project: You develop an Action Plan that connects academic learning with an issue you care about.
- Different subject options: You can choose a course that reflects your interests, depending on what is offered that year.
- Peer discussions: You learn alongside other high school students and consider different perspectives.
- Flexible formats: You can choose between an on-campus experience and an online program.
- Examples of past projects: Brown’s Action Plan Library lets you see how previous participants approached their ideas.
Cons
- High tuition: The fees range from $4,748 to $6,052 on campus and $5,778 online.
- Limited program duration: The on-campus program lasts two weeks, while the online option lasts four weeks.
- No college credit: The Leadership Institute is a non-credit pre-college program.
- Course availability can change: Your preferred subject may not be offered in the next cycle.
- The Action Plan takes work: Developing a useful project requires time, reflection, and follow-through beyond simply attending classes.
Is Brown University’s Leadership Institute right for you?
The Leadership Institute may be a good fit if you want to study a social issue, learn about socially responsible leadership, and develop a plan for making a contribution to your community.
Before applying, consider whether the course topics interest you, whether you can manage the tuition and time commitment, and whether the Action Plan format matches what you want to learn.
If you are mainly looking for research experience, a laboratory placement, or an independent academic paper, you may want to compare the Leadership Institute with other programs designed around those goals.
You can explore our guides to research programs for high school students, how to get into a top high school research program, and online research programs for high school students around the world to compare different formats and academic experiences.
If you want to develop an independent research question with individual mentorship, the Horizon Academic Research Program offers an online, one-to-one mentorship experience, typically lasting 10–15 weeks and culminating in an independent research paper. Review the program details to see whether it fits your academic interests.
Frequently asked questions about Brown University’s Leadership Institute
No. The Leadership Institute is a non-credit pre-college program. You study a social issue, explore leadership, and develop an Action Plan, but completing the program does not award Brown University course credit.
The program is available to eligible students who meet Brown’s age, grade, and application requirements. Check the official program information for current eligibility details and any documentation requirements that apply to you.
If you want to develop your own research question with individual mentorship, the Horizon Academic Research Program is another option to explore. Review its subjects, mentorship format, costs, and eligibility requirements before applying.
No. Course offerings and availability can change, and admission to Brown’s Pre-College Program does not guarantee enrollment in a particular course. Review the current catalog and enrollment instructions before making your plans.
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