The Vascellaro Family Social Impact Fellowship was established in 2011 to ensure that Brown students can explore their ideals, contribute their talents to urgent social issues, and pursue Brown’s curricular goal of “preparation for meaningful lives in an increasingly interconnected world” – regardless of financial circumstance.  The fellowship was established through  the generosity of Brown University Vice Chancellor Jerome Vascellaro ’74 P’07 and Mary Vascellaro ’74 P’07

Fellows are selected from the incoming class of first year students based on their commitment to public service, their desire to make public service an integral part of their Brown experience, and their interest in deepening their understanding of social concerns.  

The award provides students with a school year and summer free of work requirements, plus a living stipend for the summer, so that they can dedicate that time to in-depth work and learning in the community, locally or globally.

Fellows participate in the University-Community Academic Advising Program, which brings them to campus before orientation to be immersed in the Providence community, assigns an academic advisor who can guide them in integrating community engagement with academic pursuits, provides ongoing seminars throughout the year, and builds a community of students committed to public service. 

The Swearer Center for Public Service identifies recipients each summer from those students who have been selected for the University-Community Academic Advising Program.  A separate application is not required.