Discovering Academic and Personal Growth: A Guide to Rice University Summer Camps Programs

Rice University, renowned for its undergraduate education, research programs, and intimate learning environment, offers a variety of summer programs designed to provide students with unique opportunities for academic and personal growth. Located in Houston, Texas, Rice University's summer programs allow participants to experience campus life while developing important skills and exploring potential career paths.

Immersive Pre-College Experiences

Participating in a summer program at Rice University offers numerous benefits, allowing students to build their skill sets, discover their interests, and connect with like-minded peers from across the country. These programs provide opportunities to learn from accomplished faculty and professionals, as well as gain hands-on experience in various fields.

It's important to note that participation in a Rice University summer program does not guarantee or enhance admission chances to the university. The primary focus is on personal growth and skill development.

National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC)

The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) at Rice University provides an immersive pre-college experience, preparing students for life beyond high school. Participants study in university classrooms, navigate campus life, and experience living with roommates. NSLC allows students to explore career concentrations before committing to a college major.

Eligibility: High school programs are open to students aged 14-18 who have completed at least one year of high school.

Application: Applications are completed online and require a deposit. While there are suggested seasonal deadlines, NSLC accepts applications based on program availability.

Scholarships: Students demonstrating financial need, academic merit, and community involvement are encouraged to apply for scholarships.

Program Options: NSLC offers both residential and commuter options. Residential students live in campus dormitories supervised by NSLC staff, while commuter students check in each morning and check out each evening, with meals included in their tuition.

Rice University Pre-College Program

Rice University's Pre-College Program is designed for motivated high school students who wish to delve deeper into subjects that interest them, such as genome engineering, physiology, aerospace, and law. The online courses feature video lessons by Rice faculty and guidance from mentors. Students can take multiple courses at their own pace and earn a Certificate of Completion from Rice University upon completing a capstone presentation.

Eligibility: Open to students ages 13 and up.

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Cost: \$1,495 per course.

Program Dates: Multi-length courses are available throughout the year.

Benefits: The program helps students narrow their focus for college studies, experience a Rice University course, learn flexibly through video lectures, work with mentors, and complete a capstone project.

Application: The application process is easy, requiring basic information and a statement of interest. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are needed.

Learning Advantages:

Capstone Project: Students demonstrate their learning through a presentation and receive feedback from mentors.
Mentoring: Guidance and support from mentors with expertise in the course field.
Flexible Learning: 100% online learning with video lectures that can be accessed anytime.

STEM-Focused Programs

Rice University offers several summer programs focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. These programs provide hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to work with experienced faculty and researchers.

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Rice ELITE Tech Camp

Rice ELITE Tech Camp, powered by Envision, offers hands-on projects, advanced algorithms, and startup simulations with Rice faculty and industry professionals. This program is designed for high schoolers passionate about technology and engineering.

Format: Commuter and Residential options available.

Curriculum: Rice University's Center for Engineering Leadership created this program with college-level engineering concepts taught by current Rice students.

Why Choose Rice ELITE Tech Camp?

College-Level Engineering Instruction: Learn through courses developed by Rice faculty with expertise in AI, machine learning, and advanced programming.
Advanced Technology Projects: Explore neural networks, 3D print models, program IoT sensors, and code solutions for robotics and biomedical challenges.
Engineering Leadership Development: Participate in workshops that teach project management, communication, and career exploration skills.
Experience College Life: Get a taste of college life at Rice University.

Technology Specialties:

Deep Learning: Deploying AI to Maintain Smart Cities: Use Python to design a neural network algorithm capable of classifying structure images as damaged.
Learning Python to Solve Engineering Problems: Develop Python code to model temperature changes when food is cooked.
3D Modeling & 3D Printing: Learn how to design in a 3D environment (Fusion 360) and prepare files for additive manufacturing.
Internet of Things, Machine Learning & Python: Gain exposure to ML concepts and deploy code to a cloud environment for testing.
Learning C++ for Human Spaceflight Engineering: Learn the concepts of fluid mechanics and acquire programming skills in C++.
Biomedical Engineering: Musculoskeletal dynamics of human motion: Simulate musculoskeletal dynamics within the context of human activity.
Robotic Engineering I: Adding Robot Muscles to Your Inventive Ideas: Learn about electric motors and motor controllers.
Robotic Engineering II: Adding Sensors for Your Robot to See, Hear, Feel, and Smell: Learn how to deploy senses and work with the Arduino platform.

Rice ELITE Tech Through Rice ELITE Tech Camps

Through Rice ELITE Tech Camps, students participate in intensive science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning activities, while learning to apply the engineering design process to solve real-world problems. Each session is one week long, and for each week you can choose one course for the morning and one course for the afternoon. Courses include topics such as learning Python, learning C++, 3D Modeling & 3D printing, and the Internet of things.

The engineering summer program's curriculum is designed to be very hands-on, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn from engineering professors, researchers, and other students, which can set you up to be more knowledgeable about the engineering field once you enter college.

Topic: Computer science, data science, engineering
Location: Rice University campus - Houston, Texas
Cost: Residential camp: \$3,795, Commuter camp: \$1,695
Program Dates: 4 one-week sessions available from June to July
Eligibility: All high school students
Application Deadline: Not specified

PATHS-UP Young Scholars Digital Health Summer Program

The PATHS-UP program aims to introduce students to digital circuitry, computer science, physics, and engineering research at Rice University and its practical applications in the healthcare field. The topic of this program is very unique and students will be able to work with instruments such as pulse oximeters, accelerometers, GPS devices, speakers, and microphones. By the end of the program, students will also construct an introductory device that mirrors the type of technology being created at the engineering research center and participate in a workshop challenge where they have to build and test a design and pitch their solution to a panel of judges.

If you’re a high school student interested in a career in medicine or even a career in engineering this program is a fantastic opportunity to see how digital design is impacting medical treatment. Students will focus on two STEM subjects throughout the week: College Admissions and Carbon Storage projects and learn directly from Rice University students. Students will also have the opportunity to practice their public speaking skills and collaborate with fellow students to complete STEM projects. At the end of the summer camp, campers present their final projects in front of professors, students, and Dr. Richard Tapia.

Topic: STEM
Location: Rice University campus - Houston, Texas
Cost: \$2,500, scholarships available
Program Dates: Throughout June and July
Eligibility: Rising 8th - 12th graders
Application Deadline: Not specified, closes when all spots are filled

Rice University Aerospace Academy

The Rice University Aerospace Academy is a program designed specifically for students who are interested in pursuing careers in the field of aerospace. You’ll be able to learn from Rice's renowned faculty through daily forums and also receive unparalleled exposure to industry and government space scientists through exclusive site visits, where you can observe the future of aerospace. Other experiences include hearing the stories of former NASA astronaut Dr. Leroy Chiao, and visiting the Lone Star Flight Museum to attend flight ground school, complete a flight prep simulation, learn the importance of flight planning, and then apply what you've learned to operate a flight simulator. You’ll also be able to work on a multi-day project where you prototype and launch a payload onto a weather balloon that goes up to 100,000 feet. These are all unique experiences that you wouldn’t be able to get at just any regular STEM camp!

Topic: Aerospace
Location: Rice University campus - Houston, Texas
Cost: \$6,745, learn more about scholarships here
Program Dates: June 13 - 24, and July 25 - August 5
Eligibility: All high school students
Application Deadline: Not specified

Rice STEM Academy

This one-week, free, enrichment academy for high school girls explores different engineering under the guidance of Rice University faculty and graduate students. The Academy explores topics such as engineering landing capsules, roller coasters, circuits, motion and other physics concepts. Activities include DNA extraction and analysis, micropipetting, bacterial transformation, and testing of the PTC gene, among others. Additional programming will also help expose students to different STEM paths and careers.

Topic: Biology
Location: Rice University campus - Houston, Texas
Cost: \$499 per week (lunch included)
Program Dates: July 15 - 19
Eligibility: Current 9th, 10th and 11th graders who have previously taken or currently taking Biology in school
Application Deadline: April 19

Humanities and Arts Programs

For students interested in the humanities and arts, Rice University offers programs that explore art history, journalism, democracy, and creative writing.

Wonderworks Programs

Wonderworks is a non-profit organization offering pre-college summer enrichment programs for students in the Houston area. Their programs at Rice University include:

Closer Looks: Explores art history through lectures, readings, discussions, and field trips to museums.
- Topic: Art history
- Location: Rice University campus - Houston, Texas
- Cost: \$1,000, full tuition scholarships available
- Program Dates: June 17 - July 19
- Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, 3.0+ cumulative GPA
- Application Deadline: June 1
In the Know: An introduction to journalism and non-fiction.
- Topic: Journalism
- Location: Rice University campus - Houston, Texas
- Cost: \$1,000, full tuition scholarships available
- Program Dates: June 17 - July 19
- Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, 3.0+ cumulative GPA
- Application Deadline: June 1
Rules of the Game: An exploration of democracy and the humanities.
- Topic: History, politics, law, philosophy
- Location: Rice University campus - Houston, Texas
- Cost: \$1,000, full tuition scholarships available
- Program Dates: June 17 - July 19
- Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, 3.0+ cumulative GPA
- Application Deadline: June 1

Creative Writing Camp

If you’re excited about writing and storytelling then Rice’s Creative Writing Camp offers the opportunity to develop your skills, creativity, and self-confidence. Educators for the camp work in classrooms year-round and typically have a Masters of PhD. The camp also has a maximum of 20 students per session, so you can expect support from your educators if you’re proactive about asking for help. There are also virtual options provided where students do writing assignments through the Canvas learning platform.

Topic: Writing
Location: Rice University campus - Houston, Texas
Cost: Virtual: \$495. On campus: \$525. Sibling discounts and limited scholarships offered!
Program Dates: June 10 - 25, June 24 - 28, July 15 - 19
Eligibility: All incoming high school students
Application Deadline: Not specified

Specialized Programs

Rice University also offers specialized programs that cater to specific interests, such as medicine and architecture.

National Youth Leadership Forum: Medicine & Health Care

A great introduction to the world of medicine, the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Medicine & Health Care allows you to step into the shoes of a physician and gain impactful medical school and career knowledge. The curriculum is designed to be interactive and hands-on, with experiences such as an Outdoor Medicine Simulation, which will allow you to learn and practice potentially life-saving medical techniques, including positioning and extraction, wound care, control of bleeding, usage of splints and slings, and basic wilderness first aid. Another simulation shared during the program is Triage Simulation: When Disaster Strikes. In this simulation, you'll respond to a disaster as a medical professional, assess and sort victims based on the severity of their injuries, and practice applying your medical knowledge in high-pressure environments. This summer science program does an especially good job of giving high school students exposure to real world scenarios, while also providing opportunities for students to speak with current med school students and listen to seminars from leading physicians and educators.

Topic: Medicine, healthcare
Location: Rice University campus - Houston, Texas
Cost: \$4,245, partial scholarships offered
Program Dates: July 6 - 13
Eligibility: All incoming high school students
Application Deadline: Not specified

Rice Architecture Summer Immersion

The Rice Architecture Summer Immersion program is designed for Houston-based students who have an interest in applying to architecture school. This hands-on workshop introduces participants to core principles of architecture and design. Students test design concepts through several media and exercises in two and three dimensions. The goal is to also produce creative works that participants can integrate into a design portfolio, a necessary component in the college application process for architecture programs. If architecture school is something you’re looking at, this program can be a great way to start learning and add your first pieces to your design portfolio!

Topic: Architecture
Location: Rice University campus - Houston, Texas
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 9 - 21
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th grade students in the Houston area
Application Deadline: March 17

Additional Programs

iD Tech Camps at Rice University

iD Tech offers summer STEM camps at Rice University for students aged 7-17. These camps provide hands-on learning experiences in topics such as app development, game design, robotics, and 3D design.

Location: Rice University, Houston, TX.

Format: Day and overnight options.

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced.

Price: Starting at \$1,099 (payment plan available).

Curriculum: iD Tech camps blend hands-on learning with campus exploration and traditions like dress-up days, raffles, and gaming tournaments. Energetic instructors from elite universities inspire campers to transform ideas into reality.

Benefits: Students explore a prestigious university campus, make friends, and gain valuable tech skills. Elite instructors serve as mentors and role models.

Rice University School Mathematics Project (RUSMP)

Since 1987, RUSMP has acted as a bridge between Rice University mathematics and the PreK - 12 STEM teaching community in the state of Texas. RUSMP offers different math courses in Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Calculus and Geometry.

Summer Youth Activity Program

The aim of the Rice University Summer Youth Activity Program is to introduce children (aged 6 to 11) to a variety of sports and recreational activities in a friendly, non-competitive environment. Our staff of instructors and counselors consists of students from Rice and other universities in the area, as well as professionals trained in education and recreation. Our goal is to provide each participant with age-appropriate instruction and an exciting and memorable experience. Participants will spend their summer having fun, meeting new friends and being physically active.

Tips for Choosing and Applying

When selecting a Rice University summer program, consider the following:

Topic of Interest: Choose a program that aligns with your interests, whether it's medicine, English, or engineering.
Program Costs and Financial Aid: Be mindful of program costs and explore financial aid options. Some programs are free, while others have fees.
Essay Writing: Emphasize your excitement to dive deeper into the program's topic in your application essay. Highlight your reasons for being interested in the program.

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