KSP Year 1

Program Components

The Kessler Scholars Program experience consists of: 

Strength-Based Holistic Advising: Bi-weekly mentorship and advising sessions with professional Kessler Scholars staff to check-in on first-year experiences will place an emphasis on identifying core values and working towards personal and academic goals together while receiving needed guidance and socio-emotional support.

Collaborative Programming: Bi-weekly cohort gatherings create the opportunity for first-years to build meaningful relationships with each other while learning helpful tools and navigational skills to thrive at Brown. Students will engage in discussion and reflection-based activities with the goal of developing a strong understanding of their strengths and assets that they bring with them as U-FLi students. 

Community Building: Off-campus outings connect students to groups and community organizations in the Providence area, providing students with the opportunity to meet community members and engage in local social justice initiatives.

Program Offerings

As a Kessler Scholar, you will:

  • Build a community of peers and staff who serve as a support system during your first year
  • Develop reflective skills that challenge you and support your personal growth 
  • Establish connections to leadership opportunities tailored to your own interests
  • Develop comprehensive understanding of campus resources
  • Have access to strengths-based advising with Kessler Scholars Program staff throughout the year
  • Receive $2,000 annual academic year stipend for completing program requirements
  • Receive guaranteed funding for one summer SPRINT opportunity to support research or internships
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.