Connected: The Science of Relationships & Belonging

July 20-24, 2026 Rose Hill

Non-Credit Course

Three students sitting with laptops in classroom

In a world that’s more connected than ever, many students still feel isolated and unseen. This course explores the science of social well-being, empathy, and belonging. Participants learn practical tools to build stronger friendships, communicate with confidence, and collaborate effectively in teams.

Skills/Learning Outcomes

Students will learn to:

  • Understand the science of loneliness, empathy, and belonging.

  • Build communication and collaboration skills for diverse teams.

  • Strengthen compassion and empathy through guided practice.

  • Experience how connection enhances resilience, confidence, and leadership.

  • Develop healthy digital and in-person relationship habits.

Overall Takeaways

Connection is not just emotional — it’s biological. Students will discover how belonging shapes well-being and success, and how small daily habits of empathy and kindness can transform relationships and teams.

Course Schedule

  • Day 1: The Science of Belonging – Explore how human connection impacts brain chemistry, well-being, and performance.

  • Day 2: The Roots of Loneliness – Understand the modern drivers of disconnection and how to cultivate authentic bonds.

  • Day 3: The Empathy Toolkit – Practice skills for listening, perspective-taking, and emotional intelligence.

  • Day 4: Building Trust and Teams – Learn frameworks for collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution.

  • Day 5: Leading with Connection – Apply empathy and social awareness to leadership and community projects.

Instructor Bio

Dr. Parneet Pal, MBBS, MS, is a Harvard- and Columbia-trained physician and educator, and the founder of Systematically Well. She teaches the science of social connection and well-being at global conferences and universities, helping young people and leaders build meaningful, resilient relationships in a rapidly changing world.

Course Details

Connected: The Science of Relationships and Belonging
July 20-24, 2026, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Rose Hill Campus
Instructor: Parneet Pal

Course Number: SULA 0117 RN3
CRN: 17074

This non-credit course is open to high school students only.

Tuition

Residential: $2,099.00*
Tuition for the residential program includes the course, course materials, housing, meals, and excursions in and outside of class. Move-in is Sunday afternoon, the day before classes begin. Please click here for a more detailed calendar of important dates.

Commuter: $1,449.00*
Tuition for commuters includes the course, course materials, lunches, and excursions in and outside of class. Additional meals are available on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Students may wish to bring funds for incidentals, shopping at the Fordham Bookstore, souvenirs, and any personal items they wish to purchase.

*These charges include estimated meal and/or residency charges. Final rates will be available in December 2025.

Apply

Application deadlines:

Course and housing: May 1, 2026; course only: May 15, 2026. Please note that admission decisions are rolling until the class is full, and course caps are around 20 students. Apply by April 1, 2026 to be considered for a limited number of need-based discounts. We recommend early application.

Application Requirements: this non-credit course is open to high school students who have completed their first year. The course is recommended for those with a 3.0 or better. No prior experience with the subject matter is required.

To apply, you will need a copy of your high school transcript and your fall report card if the grades are not reflected on your transcript.

Please make note of the course details above because you will select your course as part of your application.

There is a $75 fee to apply and a $300 deposit to secure your seat. Housing requires a $50 deposit. All payments will be treated as deposits toward your final bill.

Apply

If you are not ready to apply, you can sign up to stay informed about the Fordham Summer Leaders Academy too, or email us with questions!

Immersion 3 Resident Move-In/Move-Out

Date  Resident Information
June 26 All medical forms and consents due
July 19 Move-in between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., all Immersion 2 students 
July 25 Move-out between 6 and 9 p.m., Immersion 2 One-Week students
July 31 Move-out before 10 a.m., Immersion 2 Two-Week students

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