Application deadline
15 May 2026
General Brown Pre-College admission deadline.
In-person Program
Something to Offer and Something to Learn: Becoming a Better Communicator
Practice public speaking, active listening, and constructive feedback through a supportive Brown University communication course.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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Something to Offer and Something to Learn at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Students completing grades 9-12
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Cost
$5,786; $4,482
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
Language: English
Accommodation: University residence halls; commuter option
Meals: Three residential; one commuter meal daily
Certificate / Outcome: Digital certificate; Course Performance Report
Sessions / cadence: Mon-Fri 12:15-3:05; 2-3 homework hours/day
Campus experience: Workshops, activities, events, and excursions
Instructor: Kate Lohman
Academic credit: Non-credit; no formal grades
Something to Offer and Something to Learn summary
This Brown University course develops oral communication through exercises, presentations, and conversations. It connects practical speaking techniques with empathy and a willingness to learn from other people.
You practice organizing ideas, using your voice, listening actively, and exchanging constructive feedback. It suits students who want more confidence in discussions and presentations and are willing to participate.
What is Something to Offer and Something to Learn: Becoming a Better Communicator?
Something to Offer and Something to Learn: Becoming a Better Communicator is a Brown University pre-college course focused on oral communication. Its two tracks combine practical presentation skills with curiosity, empathy, and understanding other people's perspectives.
Students work through exercises and presentations, practice active listening, and give and receive constructive feedback. The classroom encourages respectful dialogue and greater awareness of personal communication habits, helping students connect speaking confidence with thoughtful participation.
Why Succeed highlights Something to Offer and Something to Learn
The course treats listening and empathy as essential parts of becoming a stronger speaker.
Repeated exercises and presentations provide opportunities to practice rather than only discuss communication.
Constructive feedback helps students recognize their strengths and identify specific improvements.
The learning outcomes connect directly to presentations, group projects, and everyday conversations.
Who is Something to Offer and Something to Learn for?
Best for
Students who want to speak more confidently, listen thoughtfully, and participate more effectively in discussions and group work.
Not ideal if
You want a lecture-only experience or college credit, or cannot commit to daily attendance and independent work.
Is Something to Offer and Something to Learn worth it?
The course is a strong fit when your main goal is improving how you speak, listen, and respond to other people. Repeated practice and constructive feedback make the experience relevant to classroom discussions, group projects, and relationships.
The substantial program fee makes it worth comparing with school speaking clubs or other communication courses. It is non-credit, and Brown explicitly separates pre-college participation from undergraduate admission, so the value rests on learning and personal development.
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Cost and what is included
$5,786; $4,482; includes Two-week communication course., Residential room and three dining-hall meals daily., One dining-hall meal daily for commuters., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate upon successful completion., Instructor Course Performance Report..
Accommodation
University residence halls; commuter option
Meals
Three residential; one commuter meal 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.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Something to Offer and Something to Learn need?
Effort level
High daily commitment.
Best started
Allow four to six weeks before a future application deadline to prepare the essay, academic records, and any language testing.
Main challenge
Participating openly while giving and receiving thoughtful feedback.
Typical preparation
Identify one speaking habit and one listening habit you would like to improve.
Gather current and previous academic year grades and draft your application essay independently.
Allow additional time for English proficiency testing if it applies to you.
Plan travel, daily study time, and any accommodation requests well before arrival.
Useful if
You want better communication habits for presentations, discussions, and group work.
What do students do on Something to Offer and Something to Learn?
You develop communication skills through a progression of exercises, presentations, and respectful conversations. Speaking practice works alongside active listening and constructive feedback.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Explore your personal communication styles, strengths, challenges, and goals.
- 2
Practice an engaging presence, physical ease, and clear organization of ideas.
- 3
Share stories and participate in presentations and conversations.
- 4
Listen attentively to different experiences and perspectives.
- 5
Give and receive constructive feedback to refine your communication.
Something to Offer and Something to Learn dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Programme dates
29 June-10 July 2026
Applications open
14 January 2026
Summer 2026 reference cycle.
Final admission decisions
22 May 2026
Campus check-in
28 June 2026
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Eastern at Sayles Hall.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 15 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Programme dates | 29 June-10 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Applications open | 14 January 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Final admission decisions | 22 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Campus check-in | 28 June 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Complete grades 9-12.
Be 14-18 by June 14, 2026, for the reference cycle.
No course prerequisites.
Have strong English language proficiency.
Submit applicable TOEFL iBT or Duolingo English Test results.
Gain Brown Pre-College admission and complete separate course enrollment.
Attend every class.
How much does Something to Offer and Something to Learn cost?
Residential program fee
$5,786 — Two-week course with housing and meals.
Funding or discounts
- Commuter program fee: $4,482 — Includes one dining-hall meal daily.
- Application fee: $80 — Non-refundable; eligible applicants may request a waiver.
- Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required after admission; generally non-refundable.
- Scholarships: Sibley; PPSD — Separate application and eligibility requirements apply.
- Required insurance: $80 — For international students and U.S. students without adequate coverage.
What's included
Two-week communication course., Residential room and three dining-hall meals daily., One dining-hall meal daily for commuters., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate upon successful completion., Instructor Course Performance Report.
How to apply to Something to Offer and Something to Learn
- 1
Create one applicant account through Brown's Student Portal.
- 2
Complete the application form and write the required 250-500-word essay.
- 3
Submit current and previous academic year grades in English.
- 4
Pay the application fee or obtain an approved waiver, and provide applicable language results.
- 5
Submit any optional recommendation through Brown's form and monitor your portal for requests.
- 6
After admission, confirm your course choice before paying the non-refundable deposit.
- 7
Enroll separately in the course through your Student Portal and complete required onboarding forms.
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What does Something to Offer and Something to Learn cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Speaking presence
Practice an engaging presence, ease in the body, and clear organization of content.
Active listening
Listen attentively and openly to understand other people's experiences and perspectives.
Constructive feedback
Give and receive feedback on oral communication presentations.
Storytelling and dialogue
Share personal perspectives and engage in respectful conversations that encourage mutual understanding.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Something to Offer and Something to Learn?
A typical day during the program.
Communication class
Attend every scheduled class for exercises, presentations, and discussion.
Independent work
Plan homework around class and student life activities.
Campus activities
Choose from workshops, events, and optional activities outside class.
Residential check in
Check in face to face and remain on your floor until 6 a.m.
Who teaches on Something to Offer and Something to Learn?
Kate Lohman is the instructor listed for this course section. Summer@Brown instructors offer office hours for questions about course content and assignments.
Where do students stay on Something to Offer and Something to Learn?
Residential plan
- Residence hall rooms: Furnished rooms include an extra-long twin bed, wireless internet, and air conditioning.
- Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
- Residential support: Trained staff and Resident Assistants provide support, with nightly check-ins and 24/7 on-call staff.
- Campus facilities: Access includes fitness, athletic, and aquatics centers, activities, and excursions.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter experience: Attend on campus with access to libraries, study spaces, activities, and fitness facilities.
- One daily meal: One dining-hall meal is included each day, with additional meals available to purchase.
- Commuter transportation: A Brown ID provides free RIPTA transportation access during the course.
Rooms may be single, double, or triple occupancy; roommate requests are not honored.
What happens after Something to Offer and Something to Learn?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Digital CeCertificate of Completion after successful completion.
Instructor Course Performance Report for the two-week course.
Stronger communication for presentations, discussions, and group projects.
Greater awareness of personal speaking and listening habits.
Practice managing college-level study and personal independence.
The course is non-credit and does not provide an undergraduate admission advantage.
Where does Something to Offer and Something to Learn take place?
The course takes place on Brown University's campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Campus check-in is at Sayles Hall on the Main Green, and families arrange transportation to and from campus.
Residential students have substantial independence outside class and nightly check-in, including permitted travel within Rhode Island.
Something to Offer and Something to Learn FAQs
You will practice presentations, conversations, active listening, and constructive feedback. The course combines speaking techniques with empathy, curiosity, and greater awareness of your communication style.
There are no course prerequisites. Students are asked to arrive ready to talk, listen, and grow.
The listed class meets Monday through Friday from 12:15 p.m. to 3:05 p.m. Summer@Brown students should also expect at least two to three hours of homework daily.
This is a non-credit course without formal grades. Successful completion earns a digital certificate, and this two-week course also provides an instructor's Course Performance Report.
Summer@Brown offers a commuter option with one dining-hall meal each day and access to campus resources, activities, and fitness facilities. Commuters do not receive overnight accommodation.
Trained student life staff and Resident Assistants support students, with staff on call around the clock. Residential students must check in face to face at 10 p.m. each evening.
Students can request disability-related and dietary accommodations through the Medical Authorization and Health History Form. Brown encourages early requests, and its dining services offer vegetarian, kosher, and halal options.
Brown expects applicants to complete most of the application independently. Parents can help plan practical arrangements, while students prepare their own essay and application materials.
Alternatives to Something to Offer and Something to Learn
Compare these programs if you want to explore communication through debating, negotiation, or journalism.
Alternatives to Something to Offer and Something to Learn
Summer study with debating and social sciences coverage.
Debating
Deadline: Not announced
From £5995
15-18
London
In-person
Best for
Students comparing communication with debating-focused study.
Negotiations across life, business, and sports.
Business & Economics
Deadline: Not announced
From $2730
15-18
In-person
Best for
Students interested in applying communication to negotiation.
Journalism study with writing, debating, ethics, and media coverage.
Media Studies
Deadline: Not announced
From £7400
14-18
Cambridge
In-person
Best for
Students who want to explore communication through journalism.
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent 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 & verification
Source types reviewed
- Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Commuter - Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown
- Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- 2026 Program Costs — Breakdown of Fees
- Something to Offer and Something to Learn: Becoming a Better Communicator - 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
Course schedule reviewed
Eligibility requirements reviewed
Residential and commuter fees checked
Application deadline compared
Completion credentials verified
Campus policies reviewed
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.
Something to Offer and Something to Learn: Becoming a Better Communicator
by Brown Pre-College Programs
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