Program Overview
Leadership Rice seeks to accomplish its mission through a blend of curricular and co-curricular activities that devotes ample attention to both the theory and practice of leadership.
Academic Classes
Leadership Rice offers several classes that focus on leadership concepts and skills, including:
• LEAD 309—Leadership: Theory to Practice
• LEAD 313—Entrepreneurial Leadership
• LEAD 320/HUMA 320—The Rhetoric of Leadership
• LEAD 321/COMM 321—Leadership Communication
• LEAD 375/SOC 375—The Social Dynamics of Leadership
Summer Mentorship Experience
Leadership Rice's Summer Mentorship Experience is a prestigious summer internship program for Rice undergraduates who aspire to high-level leadership. The SME is more than a typical summer internship. Before starting their internships, students attend training sessions that focus on leadership in professional contexts. For nine weeks over the course of the summer, students do substantive work with recognized leaders in public, private, or non-profit organizations. Students also complete readings and written assignments that deepen their understanding of the personal and professional demands leaders face. In addition, each student is paired with a mentor who is responsible for overseeing the student's learning and personal development. Placements are concentrated in Houston, New York City, and Washington D.C.
Student Leadership Grants
Students are invited to take the lead in bringing their ideas to life by applying for an Envision Grant. Open to all Rice students through a competitive application process, Envision Grants provide up to $2,500 in support of student projects that promote service, foster leadership development, demonstrate ingenuity, and plan for sustainability. Implementing a project funded by an Envision Grant is a excellent way for students interested in applying for prestigious scholarships and fellowships to demonstrate that they possess the initiative and ability to translate ideas to action.
The Janus Award allows one Rice undergraduate each year to explore a complex environmental or scientific issue from all perspectives. Open to all Rice students through a competitive application process, the Janus Award allots a stipend of $2,500 toward an independent summer research project in environmental studies or a natural science.
Hilda Rich Circle of Giving
Leadership Rice endeavors to develop civic-minded leaders for whom the practice of leadership is more than an exercise in personal fulfillment. The Hilda Rich Circle of Giving fund affords students opportunities to participate in philanthropic giving beyond their own means. Students may apply to direct funds to charitable organizations they already support in some way.
On-campus and Off-Campus Events
Leadership Rice facilitates student participation in lectures, conferences, and other events related to leadership development.
Affiliated Programs
Convinced that powerful communication skills are essential for effective leadership, Leadership Rice sponsors the Toastmasters International club at Rice. Toastmasters provides a supportive context in which to become more confident and polished in public speaking.
On the Horizon
In order to maximize our impact and effectiveness, Leadership Rice constantly evaluates its program offerings to ascertain how we might best serve the student body and the university. Check back periodically or come by the office to learn about the latest opportunities for leadership development.
