The Swearer Center is where scholarship and service intersect.

We work to engage students and faculty in community-based work in Providence and around the world. Since the University's founding, Brown students have been urged to lead lives of "usefulness and reputation." Today, Brown's educational philosophy continues to promote active community engagement as a central component of undergraduate education. 

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What's New

Molly Lao Awarded Tow Prize

May 9, 2013

Molly Lao, a senior concentrating in political science and sociology, is the recipient of this year's Yat K. Tow Prize. Her volunteer work and activism has centered around the rights of marginalized populations such as disabled people and women around the world.

It’s Decision Day at Alvarez High School

May 3, 2013

Students, teachers and parents at Jorge Alvarez High School recently came together for Decision Day, a celebration of the seniors' college enrollment plans and the college advisor who helped them along the way. It was also a special day for Julio Reyes, a recent Brown graduate and member of the College Advising Corps.

Video of TRI-Lab Launch

April 22, 2013

Did you miss our TRI-Lab launch event? Check out this video of the event, featuring Brown University President Christina Paxson, Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, Dean of the College Katherine Bergeron, Professor of Epidemiology Stephen Buka, and Executive Director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Elizabeth Burke Bryant.

Clinton Global Initiative University: A commitment to global change

April 18, 2013

Thirteen Brown students were selected to attend this year’s Clinton Global Initiative University, which took place April 5-7, 2013 in St. Louis, Missouri. The annual meeting brings together students, national youth organizations, topic experts, and celebrities discuss solutions to pressing global issues. Each student who attends must make a Commitment to Action, an initiative to improve a specific community in the world