I never imagined starting my Rice experience armed with a trowel and oversized boots, knee-deep at FAM Houston’s Farm of Peace. Alongside 50 other Civic Immersion students, I worked to alleviate food insecurity while learning about refugee support and grassroots advocacy. This week fundamentally changed how I view community, learning, and advocacy. 

Before students officially begin college at Rice, incoming students in the free Moody Civic (CI) program — hosted by the Center for Civic Leadership — partner with community organizations to tackle Houston’s most pressing issues and explore its social justice and cultural tapestry. Students also bond over shared meals, late-night reflections and conversations, and everyday moments unique to this experience. In fact, some of the people I met that week are still my closest friends today!

The summer before freshman year, I applied to CI to meet people and explore Houston, never realizing how much it would shape my perspective on education. Months before stepping foot into my first Rice classroom, CI showed me that meaningful learning happens when you step outside the hedges and immerse yourself in the surrounding city — a lesson that came full circle during my freshman year in SOPA 200 (Approaches to Social Policy) with Dr. Vann. In SOPA 200, we studied the same issues I had encountered firsthand through CI. 

Now, as a Site Leader, I help organize a similar transformative experience for incoming students. My responsibilities include designing the curriculum, coordinating with partnering community organizations, and planning activities. This year, my co-leader and I are focusing on how power, policy, and money shape disparities across social issues, including maternal mortality, LGBTQ+ health, homelessness, public education, and environmental justice.

Some of my favorite memories from CI are the quieter moments. While I enjoyed canvassing and blockwalking, I also loved making burgers with friends, bonding at the beach, and having deep conversations. During these late-night conversations, I realized the challenges we witnessed across Houston were lived realities for many Houstonians, rather than abstract academic topics. This connection between classroom academics and experiential learning in the community is exactly what the Center for Civic Leadership does so well. In addition to CI, the CCL also offers a variety of programs, including Alternative Spring Break, Moody Global Fellows, and the Lowenstern Fellowship.

This year, CI runs from July 13-18 (with a remote option available July 20-25). Incoming students can apply the summer before their first semester at Rice. Those who miss the summer program can participate later through Civic Immersion: Late Departure, taking place in May of their first year. 

For anyone seeking an eye-opening experience to make new friends and gain a deeper understanding of Houston, I highly recommend Moody Civic Immersion. It’s one of the best ways to start your time at Rice!

-Derek, Hanszen ‘29 (Published on 6/23/26)