The global health crisis sparked by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has radically changed the lives of our students and their families. Many students will not be able to work this summer. Many have parents who have lost jobs. And all of them face the common uncertainty about how the next year at Brown will take shape.
As the University plans for the future, it recognizes that the need for student support will significantly increase. Dean of Financial Aid Jim Tilton estimates that Brown will require a 12–15% increase in the financial aid budget in order to meet the growing need across all socioeconomic levels. Some students may be first-time applicants for financial aid; others may need additional support as a result of changes to their family’s economic situation.
For those of you who are interested in helping Brown meet these challenges, there are multiple options:
Provide financial support to students most adversely impacted by the pandemic.
The Brown Annual Fund family of funds plays a major role in supporting undergraduates, graduate students, and medical students. In particular, gifts to The Brown Fund, the primary fund for current-use giving, will allow the University to continue to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all of its aided undergraduate students. You can make a gift to The Brown Fund online.
We have also set up the Student Emergency Support Fund, a special initiative within the Brown Annual Fund that assists students with the financial challenges associated with remote learning and completing their courses from home. Contributions of any size are welcome and appreciated. If you'd like to help, make a gift online.
Additionally, the Medical Student Response Fund provides support for our future physicians. Medical students have stepped up to help frontline workers in Rhode Island in a multitude of ways — from collecting personal protective equipment to providing childcare for hospital workers — all while facing challenges of their own. Travel and housing issues, coupled with the loss of summer earnings, are all having an impact. Please consider making a gift to help the next generation of health care heroes.
Volunteer to provide students with career advice or opportunities for remote summer internships through BrownConnect.
The COVID-19 pandemic is also affecting students' ability to identify and interview for summer opportunities. If you're not currently in the BrownConnect network, please visit the BrownConnect website to become part of that online community. This makes it possible for students to contact you if they want career advice. You can also post opportunities for projects or micro-internships that students can engage with remotely in your businesses and organizations.
View the most up-to-date information about the University's response to COVID-19.