Brown Leadership Institute
Brown Leadership Institute: Leadership Development for High School Students
The world faces complicated and often daunting challenges: global health, environmental destruction, conflicts and wars, poverty, mass immigration, global security, and human rights abuses. These challenges demand the attention of every member of the global community.
We believe that educated young people can make a positive difference in the world; thus our mission is to help students develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes associated with effective and socially responsible leadership.
Understand Global Challenges
Students develop knowledge and understanding of complex global issues through case studies, lectures, films, discussions and group projects.
Develop Leadership Skills
In class, on the ropes course, and in evening workshops, students learn and practice leadership skills including public speaking, interpersonal communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, and teamwork.
Create an Action Plan
Students create an Action Plan focused on issues they care about. With the guidance of expert staff students apply their strengths, passions, knowledge and skills to serve others and effect change in the world.
Take Your Learning Home
What happens after you leave the classroom?
During the last week of your course, instructors and peers help you develop a plan that applies your new knowledge and leadership skills to a problem or issue in your community. Leadership alumni return to their communities as part of a network of social activists.
Return for Reflection and Support
Each year, Leadership Institute alumni are invited to return to campus for the Leadership Symposium on Social Action. This weekend program is an opportunity to share Action Plan experiences with each other, receive guidance and support from Institute faculty and staff, and find renewed focus and inspiration for their work.
One Leadership Institute, Two Summer Locations:
Some Leadership Institute courses are taught on the Brown campus. Students may participate in all co-curricular activities presented by the Summer@Brown program. Learn More »
Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL) »
BELL students learn and live outdoors at Brown’s Haffenreffer Estate on Narragansett Bay in Bristol Rhode Island and enjoy a full program of study focusing on the natural environment. Learn More »
Students take one course per session. All Leadership Institute courses are non-credit. This helps students concentrate on learning and the process of scholarship, not the final grade. All students who successfully complete their course will receive a certificate of completion.