The Kessler Scholars Program is open to incoming first-time, first-year students who identify as first-generation college students (the first in their family to pursue a four-year college degree).

We also strongly encourage students who identify within the broader U-FLi community—including undocumented and/or low-income students—to apply.
 

The application is designed to help us get to know you—your experiences, your values, and how you engage with community. We are especially looking for students who are:

• Interested in being part of a cohort-based community
• Open to self-reflection and personal growth
• Excited to engage, participate, and show up consistently
• Curious about leadership and creating change

We encourage you to apply if you are excited about being part of an engaged community and are ready to commit to showing up for both yourself and your cohort.

The application consists of the following short reflection questions (maximum 250 words each):

1. Self-Development: Which aspects of your identity are most important to you? How have your lived experiences shaped who you are, and how do you hope to continue growing in your first year at Brown?
    (Example of identities: race, class, first-generation status, immigration status, international status, gender, sexuality, ability, etc.)
2. Social Change: What is a social change issue you care about and why? How have you engaged with this issue, or how do you hope to engage with it in the future?
3. Leadership: What does leadership mean to you? What strengths or qualities would you bring as a leader to Brown and the the Kessler Scholars Program community?
4. Community Building (video response): What does community mean to you? Describe a community that has been important in your life. What would it look like for you to actively contribute to a cohort community like Kessler Scholars? What do you hope to gain from being part of this cohort?

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