Urban Immersion
Urban Immersion is an intensive, service-oriented program that introduces incoming Rice students to the urban issues, social needs, and cultural diversity of Houston while having a good time meeting other students.
Imagine spending six days working intensely with a team of inspiring, thoughtful, caring individuals with whom you will be spending the rest of your college career. This is a unique opportunity that you'll never have again so don't pass it up!
As an incoming Rice student, you're becoming part of an ever-changing world that needs strong-minded and compassionate people to make a difference in the lives of others. Urban Immersion is a program that increases levels of social awareness by introducing you to the urban issues and cultural diversity of Houston while engaging in hands-on service to those in need.
Participants will be involved in direct service projects as they visit local agencies such as the Hermann Park Conservancy and DePelchin Children's Center. Each day of the program will allow the participants to serve with two
different Houston non-profit agencies. The range of social issues
varies from homelessness, education, health, and the environment.
Strong direct service, however, is only one part of the Urban Immersion
experience.
All Community Involvement Center programs are based on three components: service, education, and reflection. In addition to their direct service, participants will also have short readings about the agencies and social issues and have opportunities to meet local experts and staff from the agencies for group discussions. Finally, evenings will be concluded with group reflections. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings with the group as a way of processing each day's events.
In keeping with the spirit of the program, participants will live together in the communities they serve. This year's program will be housed in Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Houston. This is an off-campus experience and participants will have safe and secure, but simple, living conditions. Meals are taken together as a group. Most dinners will be at the Church and a few will be out in Houston, sampling the ethnic and culinary diversity of the city.
Apply to Coordinate Urban Immersion 2012!