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Community Involvement Center

Mailing Address for Couriers:
Rice University
6100 Main Street, MS-200
Houston, TX  77005

Mailing Address for U.S.P.S.:
PO Box 1892
MS-200
Houston, TX  77251-1892

Campus Physical Location:
Rice Memorial Center
2nd Floor
Center for Civic Engagement Suite

service@rice.edu
Phone: 713-348-4970
Fax: 713-348-5885

Extended Service Experiences

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All of the Community Involvement Center's extended service experiences combine the crucial elements of service, education, and reflection in a group experience, with the exception of the Loewenstern Fellowships, which is a solo experience. Whether these activities take place in Houston, around the United States, or in another country, students are exposed to pressing social issues and address them through direct service, but they must also examine the larger context, how the issues impact communities and themselves, and possible steps (both short-term and long-term) to alleviate the conditions.
  • Alternative Spring Breaks
    Alternative Spring Break trips are student-led group experiences that take students locations around the United States during the spring break period to perform service, learn about social issues, and participate in group reflection activities on the experience. Opportunities are available to join the program as a participant or as a Site Leader.

  • International Service Project to Guatemala
    This program brings a group of approximately 15 students each year to the community of San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala. Participants spend the two weeks immediately following Commencement in May learning about the region, helping the community through a variety of service projects, and are able to develop strong relationships not only with the team, but also community members.

  • Urban Immersion Program
    Participants in Urban Immersion are new Rice University students (either first year or transfer) and the program takes place over two one-week sessions during July of each year. In addition to the elements of service, education, and reflection, participants also learn a significant amount about the history of Houston, the city's demographics, and the diversity (on many levels) of their home throughout their time at Rice University.

  • Loewenstern Fellowships
    Funding for individual students to participate in service activities in Latin America and Asia for four to twelve weeks over the summer break period. Fellowship extends for a full academic year, with commitments to present the experience back to the Rice University community. Opportunities are available to extend this experience by spending a semester studying or working abroad through the Office of International Programs.