Public Programs

Overview

Rice Architecture Summer Immersion offers Houston-based 10th- and 11th-grade students interested in attending architecture school hands-on experience in the principles of architecture and design.

The Rice Architecture Summer Immersion program, offered in collaboration with the Rice Office of STEM Engagement (R-STEM), is designed for Houston-based current 10th- and 11th-grade students who have an interest in applying to architecture school. This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the principles of architecture and design. Students test design concepts through several media and exercises in two and three dimensions.

The goal is to explore architectural space at a range of scales and to produce creative works that participants can integrate into a design portfolio, a necessary component in the college application process for architecture programs. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with Rice University faculty and current students, as well as practicing architects, to learn more about the field of architecture.

Applications for this program will close on March 17, 2024. All documents are due by this date.

Download information flier.

About

Founded by Associate Professor Reto Geiser, the Rice Architecture Summer Immersion program is a tuition-free, two-week residential program for current 10th- and 11th-grade students who are sixteen years of age or older from targeted high schools in the greater Houston area. During this hands-on workshop, students will be introduced to principles of architecture and design and experience college life by staying in a residential dorm at Rice for the duration of the camp. This opportunity is tuition-free, including room and board, thanks to generous donors and supporters.

Contact
If you have any questions about the Rice Architecture Summer Immersion program, you can contact the program director:

Reto Geiser
Associate Professor, Codirector of Undergraduate Studies
Rice University School of Architecture

archimmersion@rice.edu

2024 Session (Applications Are Open)

Session Details

June 9–21, 2024
Sunday–Friday (13 days/12 nights)

 

This opportunity is limited to high-school students residing in the greater Houston area. Participants are expected to stay on campus for the entire period (including the weekend) and to engage actively throughout the session. Participants will stay in a dorm room and have a roommate. All students will be in the same dorm building but will remain in separate wings according to their gender. Program staff members will be available at all hours in case of emergencies. This opportunity is tuition-free and includes room and board.

Download information flier.

Program Benefits

Rice Architecture Summer Immersion includes:

  • Learning the principles of architecture and design through hands-on projects;
  • Experimenting with model making, freehand drawing, and other forms of creative production in both group and individual settings;
  • Building a network of peers;
  • Interacting with Rice faculty and students, as well as practicing architects;
  • Receiving instruction and feedback on applying to architecture school and portfolio composition from Rice faculty and currently enrolled students;
  • All necessary supplies, cost of living, meals, and a T-shirt are provided free of charge for each student participant.

Application

Space is very limited; completing the application process does NOT guarantee placement in the program. Applicants must be current (2023–24) 10th- and 11th-grade high school students.

Apply here.

If you are unable to upload the document to your application, you can email it to stem@rice.edu.

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