If you are a student seeking to make positive changes in your community and develop leadership skills, The Leadership Institute (LI), hosted by Brown University, is a strong option that can be attended either remotely or on campus. The program targets high school students eager to champion change both locally and globally by enhancing their comprehension of complex social issues and improving their skills to advance social justice.
The program typically lasts two weeks on campus or four weeks online in June and July, with applications opening in January. As a participant, you’ll engage with instructors, participate in discussions, and join activities to develop practical skills in collaborative leadership and advocacy. If you’re aiming to become a leader someday, here’s everything you need to know about the Brown Leadership Institute, a potential stepping stone toward your goal.
What is the Leadership Institute?
The Brown Leadership Institute brings together high school students who share aspirations to improve society and the lives of its people. In other words, the institute connects you with peers who share your vision and are committed to driving social change, just like you. The program equips you with the skills and knowledge to understand the dynamics of the current government’s leadership style. With this knowledge, you will develop a socially acceptable leadership style or action plan to implement in your community.
Rather than selecting students with only a strong academic track record, the Leadership Institute prioritizes applicants who demonstrate strong determination and interest in attending the program. It also helps your case if you are a self-starter and self-motivated, with social maturity and a thirst for learning.
Program Overview
- Location: Brown University, Providence, RI or Online
- Duration: 2 weeks on campus or 4 weeks online in the summer
- Eligibility: 9th to 12th graders who are between the ages of 14 and 18 by June 14
- Application Deadline: May 8
- Tuition: $4,748 (on-campus commuting students) | $6,052 (on-campus residing students) | $5,778 (remote students)
What is the structure and the components of the Leadership Institute?
Whether you’re passionate about civic engagement, gender equity, educational access, or intercultural communication, the program offers you the chance to learn and discuss these topics. Brown University allows students to choose a specific course that aligns with their interests, which may include interdisciplinary options like Women and Leadership, Leadership and Intercultural Communication, Reimagining Leadership: Art and Social Change, and more
Enrolled in one of the available course lists, which are subject to change each year, you will attend interactive lecture sessions. During these sessions, you and your fellow participants will address social issues and discuss solutions. Following this, you are expected to come up with an Action Plan that you can implement in your school or neighborhood. A year later, students are required to share updates on the Action Plan, revealing what worked and what didn’t.
Key Academic Components:
- Faculty-led lectures.
- Group discussion from high school students around the world.
- One-on-one meetings with instructors when attending the program remotely.
- Formulating an Action Plan.
- 2–3 hours of homework every day.
Who is eligible to apply? What is the selection process?
The program is open to students completing 9th through 12th grades who are aged 14 to 18. Applicants typically submit an application form, essays, a transcript and the most recent grade report, recommendations, and proof of English language proficiency for students whose primary language is not English.
While there’s no strict GPA cutoff, the Leadership Institute is known to be selective. The program will begin sending admissions decision emails starting January 19. You can still apply until May 8, and decisions will be emailed until May 22 or when the program reaches full capacity.
What is the cost of attending the Leadership Institute? Do you receive scholarships or financial aid?
Tuition for the on-campus program is $4,748 for commuting students, which includes one free meal daily, and $6,052 for residing students with access to Brown residence halls and dining halls, while the online program costs $5,778. The application fee is $80, with fee waivers available for eligible students. Once accepted, students must pay a non-refundable $500 deposit.
Brown University offers different scholarships, each with varying eligibility criteria. These include the need-based Sibley Scholarships provided to U.S. citizens, U.S. dual citizens, U.S. permanent residents, U.S. refugees or asylees, or those who have DACA and reside in the U.S. or are undocumented and full-time residents of the U.S.; the PPSD Scholarships are available for high school students who attend a high school in Providence Public School District, in Providence, Rhode Island; the Partnership Scholarships are open for students selected by the university’s established partner organizations; and Brown Employee Dependent Scholarships are limited to the university’s family members.
What have previous participants said about their experiences and outcomes?
Former participants highlight faculty lectures and peer interactions dedicated to fostering social change. Students gain valuable experience in leadership, problem-solving, public speaking, and more. Using the knowledge and skills acquired during the program, students have drafted individual action plans for their final projects. Some examples of action plan titles submitted in previous years include “Passing the Bill: Ban Flavored Tobacco Products in Oregon,” “Invest in Her: Breaking the Glass Ceiling,” and “Mental Health Education as K-12 Core Curriculum,” among others.
What are some pros and cons of the program?
Pros:
- You will develop your public speaking, listening, working with diverse groups, and problem-solving skills.
- The program empowers you to address critical issues in meaningful and sustainable ways.
- You will be able to access the university’s libraries, study centers, and Writing Center
- You will be awarded a Digital Certificate of Completion
Cons:
- Admission results are announced on a rolling basis starting January 19, so students should apply early to increase their chances of securing a spot in the program.
- The program cost is expensive.
- Students don’t earn grades for completing the program.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying toHorizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Brown University