Scholars in the program experience a range of programming designed to build self-efficacy, academic proficiency and self-care. Largely focused on the following four areas, this research- and data-driven programming provides scholars with the essential tools to promote student excellence.

• College Access — Students learn how to navigate the college application process, which includes test prep, admissions application, essay, financial aid and college interviews.
• Academic Support —Students improve their proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics to prepare for college-level learning.
• Youth Development — Students develop their leadership and advocacy skills to prepare them for the college experience while gaining the self-confidence to utilize their voices for positive change.
• Social Emotional Learning — Students gain valuable tools to support self-care, self-reflection and personal growth to help them navigate stressful environments and understand that mental health is key to all student success.

Brown Collegiate Scholars spend four weeks each summer learning on the Brown campus.

• Students apply while in the eighth grade.
• A maximum of 30 scholars from a range of Providence Public School District high schools are selected each year to participate.
• Programming starts the summer before ninth grade and continues for four years.
• Each summer, scholars spend four weeks learning on the Brown campus, with the first two summers offered as day programs and the last two summers offered as residential programs.
• Scholars must commit to remaining in the program for four years for school-year and summer programming, estimated to be 2-4 hours each week during the school year and 6-7 hours each day (30-35 hours each week) during the summer.
• Programming takes place both in person and virtually; scholars and families are expected to fully participate in all aspects of the program.
• Brown University is committed to each scholar’s success.
• Read our Policies here.

Preparing early to apply to college provides students with the opportunity to navigate the college application process with knowledge and confidence. Data indicates that earning an undergraduate degree nearly doubles lifetime earnings as well as increases civic engagement and the likelihood for continued employment. 

The Brown Collegiate Scholars Program is offered at no cost to scholars and their families.

• Scholars are fully supported through the college application and selection processes.
• Scholars are part of a community cohort of scholars from across the Providence Public School District who learn together over four years.
• Scholars receive consistent academic tutoring in core subject areas of math, reading and writing.
• Scholars have a dedicated advisor available to them throughout the program to support their learning and engagement. 

In addition, scholars and their families:

• learn about colleges and universities through workshops, panels and campus visits; 
• are fully supported through the college financial aid and scholarship process; and
• gain critical financial literacy skills.

Any student who meets all six of the following criteria is eligible to apply to the Brown Collegiate Scholars Program. The student:

• is academically motivated and would like to attend a college or university upon high school graduation;
• is currently enrolled as an eighth grader within the Providence Public Schools District on the way to attending four years of high school at a PPSD school;
• has consistent attendance at their school;
• is not part of any other college access program;
• is willing to commit to full participation for four years of programming; and
• has parents/guardians willing to commit to full participation for four years of programming.