Founded 1869
Founded 1764
A Historic Academic Partnership
The Tougaloo Partnership represents one of the most significant and enduring collaborations between historically Black and predominantly white institutions in American higher education. Since 1964, this groundbreaking partnership has opened doors for academic exchange, cultural understanding, and educational excellence.
This unique relationship allows Tougaloo College students to experience the academic rigor and resources of an Ivy League institution while maintaining their connection to the rich heritage and community of their home campus. The partnership has served as a model for inter-institutional collaboration and continues to break barriers in higher education.
Partnership Timeline
Partnership Established
The formal partnership between Tougaloo College and Brown University was established, creating the first exchange program between an HBCU and an Ivy League institution during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.
First Student Exchanges
The inaugural class of Tougaloo students began their studies at Brown University, while Brown students experienced the rich academic and cultural environment at Tougaloo College.
Program Expansion
The partnership expanded to include summer programs, research collaborations, and faculty exchanges, deepening the academic relationship between the institutions.
Enhanced Opportunities
New initiatives included graduate school preparation programs, joint research projects, and expanded course offerings available to students from both institutions.
Digital Age Innovation
The partnership embraced technology with online collaborative courses, virtual exchanges, and digital resource sharing between libraries and academic departments.
Continuing Legacy
The partnership continues to thrive with modern initiatives including research collaborations, cultural exchanges, and innovative academic programs that prepare students for global citizenship.
Partnership Opportunities
Discover the diverse academic and cultural opportunities that define our historic partnership.
Student Exchange Program
Qualified Tougaloo students spend a semester or academic year at Brown University, experiencing Ivy League academics while maintaining their Tougaloo enrollment.
- Full credit transfer
- Access to Brown's extensive course catalog
- Housing and dining privileges
- Academic advising support
Research Collaborations
Joint research initiatives connect faculty and students from both institutions in groundbreaking projects across multiple disciplines.
- STEM research partnerships
- Social sciences collaborations
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- Shared laboratory resources
Faculty Exchange
Faculty members participate in teaching exchanges, collaborative research, and professional development opportunities at both institutions.
- Visiting professor positions
- Collaborative curriculum development
- Joint grant applications
- Professional development workshops
Summer Programs
Intensive summer experiences provide focused academic study, research opportunities, and cultural immersion for students from both campuses.
- Intensive course offerings
- Research internships
- Cultural exchange activities
- Graduate school preparation
Virtual Collaborations
Technology-enhanced partnerships enable real-time collaboration, shared courses, and digital resource access across both campuses.
- Joint online courses
- Virtual guest lectures
- Digital library access
- Online mentoring programs
Graduate Preparation
Specialized programs prepare Tougaloo students for graduate and professional school success, with particular emphasis on doctoral programs.
- GRE preparation support
- Graduate school application guidance
- Research methodology training
- Academic writing workshops
Partnership Benefits
The transformative impact of this partnership extends far beyond the classroom, creating lifelong opportunities for academic and personal growth.
Ivy League Experience
Access to world-class faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and the academic prestige of Brown University while maintaining HBCU connections.
Cultural Diversity
Exposure to diverse perspectives, international students, and multicultural experiences that prepare students for global citizenship.
Professional Networks
Building connections with Brown University alumni, faculty, and students that create lasting professional and personal relationships.
Graduate School Success
Enhanced preparation for graduate and professional schools, with many participants gaining admission to top-tier programs.
Leadership Development
Opportunities to develop leadership skills through cross-cultural collaboration and exposure to different institutional environments.
Academic Excellence
Access to Brown's extensive course catalog, library resources, and specialized programs not available at smaller institutions.
Programs & Deadlines
Key application dates for signature opportunities in the Brown–Tougaloo Partnership. Always verify the current cycle before applying.
Tougaloo students study at Brown for one semester (typically sophomore or junior year); credits transfer to the home institution.
Week-long exchange centered on Civil Rights history; Brown students travel to Tougaloo during Brown’s spring break.
Week-long theatre/social justice intensive in collaboration with Brown’s Rites & Reason Theatre.
Nine-week paid undergraduate research with housing, travel, and grad-school prep; final symposium presentation.
First-Year Research Experience; application requires invitation or faculty/advisor support.
Tougaloo students in good standing may apply; special Tougaloo cost noted in program details.
Lectures, workshops, consultations, and virtual exchanges arranged between both institutions.
Early Identification in Medicine/Public Health, STEM initiatives, and Graduate School Faculty Fellows. EIP Medicine typically identifies candidates by the end of sophomore year.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Open to any major; minimum 2.5 GPA recommended for exchange participation.
- Class standing: Student Semester Exchange is typically for sophomores or juniors.
- Must be in good academic standing with Tougaloo College.
- Students remain enrolled at Tougaloo while studying at Brown; credits transfer to the home institution after review.
- Deadlines and requirements can vary by program and year; confirm the current cycle before applying.
- FYRE Program: Invitation or faculty/advisor support required to apply.
- Brown Summer Sessions: Tougaloo students must be in good standing.
- Leadership Alliance: Competitive research placement; strong academic record recommended.
- Selective Programs (EIP in Medicine/Public Health, STEM, Graduate School Faculty Fellows): Generally nomination-based; EIP Medicine identifies candidates by the end of sophomore year and requires participation in the student exchange.
Partnership Information
For more information about the Tougaloo Partnership and application procedures, contact our Academic Affairs office.
Academic Affairs
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