Division of Campus Life
Undocumented, First-Generation College and Low-Income Student (U-FLi) Center
KSP By Year
KSP Year 1 + 2: Building Your Foundation
Your first two years are the most structured. This is when you’ll build strong relationships with your cohort, receive high-touch support, and develop skills to help you navigate Brown.
You can expect to regularly participate in cohort gatherings, advising sessions, and community experiences.
Fall Semester
- 4 cohort gatherings
- 4 one-on-one meetings with program staff
- 2 check-ins with your peer mentor
Spring Semester
- 4 cohort gatherings
- 2 one-on-one meetings with program staff
- 3 group advising sessions
- 2 check-ins with your peer mentor
Themes
- Building community and finding your place at Brown
- Exploring your identity and values
- Developing self-reflection skills
- Understanding mental health and wellness
- Learning how to access academic and personal support and resources
- Exploring interests and possible career paths
Fall Semester
- 3 cohort gatherings
- 2 one-on-one meetings with program staff
Spring Semester
- 3 cohort gatherings
- 2 one-on-one meetings with program staff
Themes
- Deepening connections with your cohort and community
- Reflecting on your goals, values and definition of success
- Choosing a concentration
- Exploring internships, study away and other opportunities
- Getting involved in wider campus community
Annual Coin Ceremony: A formal ceremony to provide a memorable welcome for incoming students into the Kessler community (required for first-years).
All Cohort Gathering: An informal semesterly gathering to bring together Kessler Scholars across cohorts for a meal and shared activities.
Off-Campus Outing: A community building opportunity to connect students to the Providence area.
The most significant change in myself as a result of this cohort experience is that I am more comfortable advocating for myself at Brown. I had some big mental health issues come up and disrupt my first year at Brown but this cohort experience helped me use resources like CAPS, Student Support Services Deans, Academic Deans, and incompletes. I was comfortable going to my professor and school staff for help since this cohort experience de-stigmatized asking for help. After being in this cohort, I view asking for help and advocating for oneself to be a strength not a weakness.
KSP Years 3 + 4: Establishing Your Path
In your third and fourth years, the program becomes more flexible, with fewer required gatherings and more individualized support.
You’ll continue to receive guidance while focusing on your personal, academic, and professional goals.
You can expect:
- Lower time commitment with more targeted programming
- Support as you step into leadership roles on and off campus
- Opportunities to build relationships with faculty, mentors, and alumni
- Guidance around internships, careers, and post-graduate planning (finding a job, transitioning to graduate school, taking a gap year, etc)
Year 3 Highlight: Professional Identity Project
During your third year, you’ll work on a year-long project designed to help you reflect on your experiences, clarify your goals, and prepare for life after Brown. This project is flexible and designed to fit alongside experiences like studying away.
Learn More About The Kessler Scholars Program
Each year, the U-FLi Center selects a cohort of 20 incoming first-year students to join the Kessler Scholars Program.
Find answers to your questions about the Kessler Scholars Program.
The Kessler Scholars Program brings together a community of students who are committed to supporting one another, growing as leaders, and fostering positive social change in their communities.
As a Scholar, you’ll build meaningful relationships, develop your leadership skills, and receive academic, personal, and social support throughout your time at Brown.
As a Scholar, you’ll build meaningful relationships, develop your leadership skills, and receive academic, personal, and social support throughout your time at Brown.