Brown University welcomed nearly 400 high school students from Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls to its campus for the annual College Day event on April 8. The program was designed to give local teens an immersive look at college life through campus tours, mini-classes, and workshops.
The initiative aims to encourage students to consider higher education by exposing them to real college experiences. Educators say that visiting a university can make the idea of attending college more tangible for students who may not have considered it before.
Michael Griffin, a guidance counselor at Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School in Providence, said that while classroom discussions about college are helpful, “Having a chance to visit a school and really experience it — to get a sense of a day in the life of a college student — is hugely important.” Carla Ricci, another counselor from Central High School in Providence, said, “College Day is extremely influential in helping students picture college life… Exposure like this really inspires students and makes conversations about their future more tangible.”
The event included participation from Brown’s Annenberg Institute for School Reform and the Office of the President. Students attended mini-classes across various academic tracks such as humanities; math, technology and engineering; physical and life sciences; social sciences; entrepreneurship; communications; fine arts; and performing arts. Activities ranged from science experiments using fruit flies to composing music or conserving library documents.
Brown University President Christina H. Paxson addressed attendees during the opening ceremony: “What I would encourage you to do is really explore and think broadly about what’s possible for you — there are so many opportunities you haven’t even imagined yet… Discover what you love so you can build a life that you love — that’s what makes college truly meaningful.” Aarav Sundaresh from the Annenberg Institute said many participants were visiting Brown’s campus for the first time despite living nearby: “We want them to see the possibilities available to them…and feel like they belong in spaces like this.”
Organizers also introduced new features this year such as a “college life fair,” which showcased student organizations and academic programs along with information on other K-12 enrichment opportunities offered by Brown. Nicole Lemire, guidance counselor at Tolman High School in Pawtucket, said she hopes her students will be inspired by College Day: “It shows them what a campus visit feels like and inspires them to explore other schools…and take those next steps on their college journey.”
