Even for the nation’s highest- achieving students, the transition from high school to college can be an intimidating experience. That’s where the RISE (Responsibility, Inclusion, and Student Empowerment) program comes in.
Each summer, the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence invites 20 newly admitted students to participate in an immersive two-week summer program, providing students with tools and resources to thrive from the very start of their time at Rice and in Houston.
“RISE is where dreams meet opportunity,” said Jaime Peña, associate director of undergraduate programs who oversees the initiative. “It’s where students harness their power to change the world and become extraordinary leaders. The program challenges their thinking, expands their perspectives and connects them to a community of change-makers.”
A core part of the experience is the daily seminar, Race, Place and Power in Houston, taught by AIE Vice Provost Alex Byrd ’90 and Associate Vice Provost Luziris Pineda Turi.
“The three hours we spent in seminar every weekday gave us an opportunity to debate, contest each other’s ideas, listen and learn,” said freshman Sarah Abi Saab. “I was surrounded by people who couldn’t be more different from me, and it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.”
Students also met such distinguished guests as Ruth Simmons, Rice’s President’s Distinguished Fellow and author of “Up Home: One Girl’s Journey.” Simmons’ memoir traces her life from growing up in Jim Crow-era Texas to becoming the first Black president of an Ivy League university.
Other civic, business and educational leaders visited the class to highlight opportunities in Houston and the region’s efforts to address community challenges.
“The commitment to diversity, inclusion and creating a safe space at the university was what really drew me to the program,” said freshman Lezlie Granillo. “Reading Ruth Simmons’ memoir and then meeting her was incredibly inspiring and impactful.”
Beyond academics, RISE participants attended workshops on mental health, adjusting to campus life, and exploring research and fellowship opportunities.
I was surrounded by people who couldn’t be more different from me, and it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
— SARAH ABI SAAB
This summer marked the program’s fifth year. The 2025 cohort includes students interested in business, social sciences, humanities, and architecture with future plans ranging from law and political science to entrepreneurship and education.
Participants came from large cities, such as Los Angeles, New Orleans and Houston, as well as smaller towns, including Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Arvin, California.
“I got to experience what campus life is like — staying in the dorms and meeting people before the semester starts,” said freshman Albany Ray of Manitou, Kentucky. “I don’t have family in Texas, but this helped reassure me that I’ll be okay.”
ROSIE NGUYEN
Director of Communications and Projects in Free Expression
Office of Access and Institutional Excellence