The Kessler Scholars Program is open to incoming first-time first-year students. Applicants must be first-generation college students (the first in their family to pursue a four-year college degree). In addition to this criteria, the committee highly considers applicants who fall under the broader U-FLi umbrella: undocumented and/or low-income.

The program application focuses on self-reflection through an asset-based lens and asks students to reflect on their core values, their interests, and how these areas come together to shape the way they will navigate their experiences at Brown. The selection committee reviews the applications based on 4 core criteria and short answer reflection questions (max 250 words each):

1. Self-Development: Our identities are an important aspect of how we relate to each other. Describe which identities are the most important to you. How do you hope to grow over the next year as it relates to your personal identities and lived experiences? (Example of identities: race, class, first-generation status, immigration status, international status, gender, sexuality, ability, etc.)
2. Community Building: Who is your community and why are they important to you? What aspects of that community do you hope to find within this cohort? What do you hope to gain from being part of this cohort? 
3. Social Change: What is a social change issue that you are passionate about and why is it significant to you? How do you currently and/or plan to engage with this issue/topic?
4. Leadership: Kessler Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles within the U-FLi Center and the broader campus community. How do you envision your strengths and qualities informing your work as a leader in the Brown community?

If you have any questions, please contact Jay Salcedo, Kessler Scholars Program Manager.