The 2024 BELL Rhode Island Program has reached capacity and the waitlist is now full. Admitted students may enroll in any other available course or program in the 2024 Course Catalog provided they meet the age requirements. Given your interest in this program, we have curated a list of courses that focus on topics related to the environment and/or leadership. You can view the list here.
The Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL) combines concepts in environmental studies and leadership, with a mission of developing socially responsible leaders. At BELL, you’ll embark on a journey of learning and reflection while building community with the fellow student environmentalists in your program.
This two-week program will be based on the Brown University campus, with site visits throughout Rhode Island. Students will select from one of three course offerings.
In Geological, Recent and Modern Climate Change, you will develop a variety of skills and techniques focused on geological and terrestrial ecology while you explore Rhode Island to carry out field investigations of climate change that can inform individual and collective action.
In Marine Ecosystems, Coastal Communities and Climate Resilience, you will visit several sites around Rhode Island that will grant you opportunities to experience the region’s rich coastal ecosystems and provide a backdrop for thoughtful conversations about managing coastal ecosystems and communities for resilience in the face of climate change impacts.
For both courses, after spending time at Brown University, you will embark on a two-night camping retreat at Round the Bend Farm in nearby Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Not only will you get to connect directly with your natural surroundings, but you will also practice building a strong community with your peers, as you all navigate the challenge of living and learning outdoors.
In Digging Into Food: An Introduction to Rhode Island's Food Systems, you will explore the Ocean State's diverse food resources, including several farms, a dairy and a local food bank. Alongside peers from all over the world, you will learn about the deteriorating subsidies, food waste and unsustainable agricultural practices that have called for local action and to implement socially and environmentally responsible practices. Then, with examples from across Rhode Island, you will learn the ways in which you can create positive change in your own local food systems. While this course does not offer an overnight camping retreat, you will participate in more field trips that take you to all corners of Rhode Island.
In all BELL Rhode Island courses, you’ll dig into resources about environmental advocacy and environmental justice literacy while learning about socially responsible leadership. Over the course of your BELL experience, you will identify a pressing issue that you’re passionate about. With support from instructors and peers, you’ll develop an Action Plan to apply your new leadership knowledge to this issue when you return home.