Leadership, Law and Social Movements Course
    In-person Program

    Leadership, Law and Social Movements Course

    by Brown Pre-College Programs

    Brown's course explores how activists and lawyers pursue social change, combining movement case studies with leadership practice and a community Action Plan.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Leadership Law and Social Movements at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Completing grades 9–12

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States

    Cost

    $6,052; $4,748

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Law & justiceSocial SciencesHistory
    Accommodation: University residence halls
    Meals: Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
    Sessions / cadence: Weekdays: 5-hour classes; 2–3-hour daily homework
    Main output: Action Plan and oral presentation
    Completion recognition: Digital certificate; Course Performance Report
    Instructor: Kevin Escudero
    Campus resources: Libraries, Writing Center and fitness facilities

    Leadership Law and Social Movements summary

    Brown's course examines how social movements use law to pursue change, with case studies spanning Civil Rights, immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ rights and Environmental Justice.

    You combine academic readings and assignments with leadership practice, then develop and present an Action Plan for your own community.

    It suits students who want to question how legal systems work while practicing collaboration, public speaking and practical civic leadership.

    What is Leadership, Law and Social Movements Course?

    Leadership, Law and Social Movements is a Brown University Pre-College course within the Leadership Institute. It examines the potential and limitations of law as a tool for social change, using historical and contemporary movement case studies. Its approach connects legal texts with sociology, anthropology and history.

    Students study activists' messages, community responses and the effectiveness of campaigns while practicing socially responsible leadership. On-campus classes combine academic work with public speaking, group work and active listening. The practical focus is a community Action Plan, developed with support and presented to peers.

    Why Succeed highlights Leadership Law and Social Movements

    • The sociology and anthropology of law approach encourages students to examine who shapes legal systems and whose interests they serve.

    • Movement case studies connect abstract ideas about rights and justice to concrete campaigns and community experiences.

    • The Action Plan turns academic learning into a realistic proposal for addressing a local social problem.

    • Public speaking, active listening and collaborative work give students specific leadership practices to develop.

    Who is Leadership Law and Social Movements for?

    Best for

    Students interested in law, social justice or civic leadership who enjoy reading, discussion and developing practical community projects.

    Not ideal if

    You primarily want professional legal training, college credit or a lightly scheduled campus experience.

    Is Leadership Law and Social Movements worth it?

    The course offers a useful way to test whether the relationship between law and social change holds your academic interest. Its strongest practical feature is the Action Plan: you leave with a proposal connected to your own community rather than only a record of attendance.

    The commitment is substantial, with intensive classes, daily homework and a significant family budget. It offers non-credit learning, and Brown says Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission. Its value depends on the reading, reflection and project work you engage with.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $6,052; $4,748; includes Course instruction and Leadership Institute activities., Residential housing and three meals daily with the residential fee., One campus meal daily with the commuter fee., Access to fitness, athletic and aquatics centers., Program activities and excursions., Library, study center and Writing Center access..

    Accommodation

    University residence halls

    Meals

    Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily

    Provider details

    Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

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    How much preparation does Leadership Law and Social Movements need?

    Effort level

    High.

    Best started

    Allow four to six weeks before a future published application deadline; begin visa planning earlier if needed.

    Main challenge

    Connecting demanding readings with a feasible community Action Plan.

    Typical preparation

    • Gather current and previous academic-year grades and draft the 250–500-word application essay.

    • Arrange an English proficiency test if required and allow time for any recommendation you choose to submit.

    • Identify a local issue you care about and think about the people already working on it.

    • Complete the approximately one-hour Canvas assignment one week before the course starts.

    Useful if

    You want to develop both academic analysis and practical civic leadership.

    What do students do on Leadership Law and Social Movements?

    You analyze how communities, activists and lawyers engage the legal system, using readings, case studies and assignments. Alongside this academic work, you practice leadership and build an Action Plan for a social issue in your home community.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Complete the required Canvas preparation activity before arrival.

    2. 2

      Read sociological, anthropological, legal and historical texts, including excerpts from legal cases.

    3. 3

      Examine movement messages, community responses and campaign effectiveness.

    4. 4

      Practice public speaking, group work and active listening.

    5. 5

      Develop a realistic Action Plan with instructor and Teaching Associate support.

    6. 6

      Present your Action Plan orally to peers and guests.

    Leadership Law and Social Movements dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    15 May 2026

    Brown Pre-College general application deadline.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    22 June-2 July 2026

    Reference date

    Applications open

    14 January 2026

    Brown Pre-College application opening for the reference cycle.

    Reference date

    Final admission decisions

    22 May 2026

    Final decisions sent through Brown Pre-College.

    Reference date

    Residential check-in

    21 June 2026

    9 a.m.–1 p.m. Eastern Time at Sayles Hall; student orientation follows.

    Reference date

    Action Plan presentations

    2 July 2026

    Required closing-day presentations, 1–3 p.m. Eastern Time.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Completing grades 9–12.

    • Ages 14–18 by June 14, 2026.

    • No course prerequisites.

    • Strong English language proficiency.

    • Brown Pre-College admission required before separate course enrollment.

    • Only one Leadership Institute course per summer.

    • Attendance at every class is required.

    How much does Leadership Law and Social Movements cost?

    Residential program fee

    $6,052 — 2026 total including housing and meals.

    Funding or discounts

    • Commuter program fee: $4,748 — 2026 total including one campus meal daily.
    • Application fee: $80 — Eligible applicants may request a fee waiver.
    • Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required before enrollment; generally non-refundable.
    • Scholarships: Separate application — Sibley and PPSD consideration follows Brown's eligibility rules.
    • Required insurance: $80 — For international students and U.S. students without qualifying coverage.

    What's included

    Course instruction and Leadership Institute activities., Residential housing and three meals daily with the residential fee., One campus meal daily with the commuter fee., Access to fitness, athletic and aquatics centers., Program activities and excursions., Library, study center and Writing Center access.

    How to apply to Leadership Law and Social Movements

    1. 1

      Use Brown's admissions page to create one Student Portal account.

    2. 2

      Complete the application form and write a 250–500-word essay.

    3. 3

      Upload current and previous academic-year grades in English.

    4. 4

      Pay the application fee or request an eligible waiver, and supply any required English proficiency results.

    5. 5

      Monitor your portal for missing materials and your admission decision.

    6. 6

      After admission, review the course catalog before paying the $500 deposit.

    7. 7

      Enroll separately in the course through your Student Portal.

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    What does Leadership Law and Social Movements cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Rights and justice

    Examine theoretical frameworks of rights and justice within the U.S. legal system.

    Movement case studies

    Analyze Civil Rights, immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ rights and Environmental Justice campaigns.

    Communities and legal systems

    Explore how community members, activists and lawyers participate in shaping and using law.

    Socially responsible leadership

    Practice public speaking, collaboration and active listening while considering identity, power and privilege.

    Community Action Plan

    Develop and present a feasible project addressing a social problem in your local community.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Leadership Law and Social Movements?

    A typical day during the program.

    Morning classes

    Attend classes and leadership workshops in Eastern Time.

    Afternoon classes

    Return to class after the lunch break.

    Independent work

    Complete readings, research, group projects, writing and presentations around community meetings.

    Residential curfew

    Check in face to face with residential staff and remain on your floor.

    Who teaches on Leadership Law and Social Movements?

    Kevin Escudero is the listed instructor for the verified course section. Instructors and Leadership Institute Teaching Associates help students design their Action Plans, with instructor office hours and Writing Center support also available.

    Where do students stay on Leadership Law and Social Movements?

    Residential plan

    • Residence hall rooms: Live with Leadership Institute students in furnished rooms with wireless internet and cooling.
    • Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in Brown's all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
    • Staff and check-ins: Trained staff provide support, with 24/7 on-call cover and a 10 p.m. nightly check-in.
    • Campus facilities: Access includes libraries, study centers, the Writing Center and fitness facilities.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter participation: Attend the same in-person course without a campus room assignment.
    • Daily campus meal: The commuter fee includes one campus meal per day.
    • Resources and activities: Commuters can use campus resources, activities and fitness, athletic and aquatics centers.

    Room assignments may be single, double or triple; roommate requests are not honored, and students should bring their own linens.

    What happens after Leadership Law and Social Movements?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    A community Action Plan to take home and apply.

    An oral presentation explaining your project.

    A digital completion certificate after successful completion.

    An instructor Course Performance Report.

    A clearer basis for exploring law, social movements and civic leadership.

    The course awards no college credit or transcript, and participation does not provide a Brown undergraduate admissions pathway.

    Where does Leadership Law and Social Movements take place?

    The course takes place on Brown University's campus in Providence, Rhode Island, with residential check-in at Sayles Hall on the Main Green. Families coordinate their own transportation, and students are expected to manage arrival and campus navigation independently.

    Brown does not provide transportation or coordinate travel assistance; international families should allow time for immigration arrangements.

    Leadership Law and Social Movements FAQs

    No. The course has no prerequisites, although readings include legal opinions and briefs alongside sociological, anthropological and historical texts.

    The emphasis is on the sociology and anthropology of law. You examine how communities, activists and lawyers use the legal system to pursue social change.

    It is a capstone project applying course learning to an issue in your home community. Instructors and Teaching Associates help you develop realistic goals, and you present the plan orally to peers.

    Classes meet Monday through Friday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. Expect at least two to three hours of homework daily, including readings, research, writing and project work.

    Yes. Commuter students attend in person and can use campus resources, activities and fitness facilities. Their fee includes one campus meal per day without a residence hall room.

    No. Successful completion earns a digital CeCertificate of Completion, and this two-week course also qualifies for an instructor Course Performance Report. Brown Pre-College does not issue a transcript for non-credit participation.

    Trained staff provide support, with 24/7 on-call cover and nightly face-to-face check-ins at 10 p.m. Students manage their own time outside required commitments and may explore Rhode Island independently, so families should discuss expectations and communication before arrival.

    Alternatives to Leadership Law and Social Movements

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Leadership Institute | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Admissions Decisions | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Leadership Institute
    • Visa and Immigration Related Procedures — Frequently Asked Questions
    • 2026 Program Costs — Breakdown of Fees
    • Leadership, Law and Social Movements - Pre-College Course Catalog"

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Official course page checked

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Application deadline cross-checked

    • Residential and commuter fees checked

    • Class and homework commitments reviewed

    • Housing and support policies reviewed

    • Completion recognition checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.