Nick Figueroa, director of the Brown Collegiate Scholars Program, said that through the application process this spring, this year’s cohort has already shown a clear eagerness to learn. 

“We’re continually impressed by our scholars’ motivation and willingness to grow,” Figueroa said. “Like the cohort before them, this group is eager to strengthen their academics and start thinking seriously about college. Our job is to guide them along the way — helping them understand the college admissions process, build self-assurance and develop the skills they’ll need to succeed when they get there.”

The Brown Collegiate Scholars Program will continue to add new cohorts of approximately 30 students each summer. Here’s what three scholars from the inaugural cohort shared about their experiences with the program during their first year: 

Claire Ruth Derisier

When I applied for this program, I didn’t know what to expect. One of the things that surprised me the most about Brown Collegiate Scholars was the responsibilities that came along with it, but also the many opportunities it offered us, including tutoring, advising and mentoring. The tutoring sessions really helped me by supporting me throughout my learning journey as an English learner. Math was a subject that I constantly needed help with. So receiving such support and help in this area of my academic life made a huge difference.

The advising and mentoring sessions also supported me on a personal level by helping me to learn more about myself. I learned how to take care of myself physically, mentally and emotionally; things like how to effectively manage my time, how to deal with negative thoughts, or how to get eight hours of sleep every night. As we enter the second year of the program, I’m looking forward to interacting more with my peers and having as much fun as possible by trying new things.

Wang Meng Yang

When I initially applied to the Brown Collegiate Scholars Program, my goal was to improve myself academically. But over the past year, that changed when I learned more about the importance of building meaningful connections with others. Before this, I used to interact with adults in a very formal way, always maintaining a high level of respect and distance. However, during my time here, I found that I could engage more comfortably with Brown faculty and staff. This environment allowed me to fully express myself, which in turn helped me bring my best efforts to the group, opening the door to meaningful collaboration, the building of strong friendships and a deeper sense of connection within the group. 

For me, one of the most impactful experiences so far is when they invite guest speakers to join us to share their own personal journeys and how they have achieved their goals. It’s deeply inspiring to hear these stories and to learn from others’ experiences. My advice to new students starting the program this summer would be to approach every opportunity with an open mind and a positive attitude. Take your time to be yourself, and don’t be afraid to try new things.

Alexa Rodriguez Linares 

I applied to the Brown Collegiate Scholars Program because I felt it was going to be a good chance for me to experience new things, and because I want to go to college so that after high school, I can create a clear plan for my life. 

One of my favorite parts is the college access classes. I’ve learned so much already about being a college student, like how to pick a major or minor, and what kinds of classes you take. Last year, we even had worksheets to research colleges, thinking about the differences between urban or suburban campuses. I think that has helped us narrow down our interests. For me, now, I know that I probably want to stay in New England and I’m interested in the University of New Haven or John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York because I want to become an FBI agent and have interests in forensic science and criminology.

My program mentor this year was also really amazing. She was like extra support, bringing new ideas and knowledge I wouldn't have known, which I loved. I felt super comfortable talking to her about anything — not just school. We just connected, and that’s been so helpful during my first year of navigating high school.