Incoming Rice Owls experience Houston and service-learning through Moody Civic Immersion program

Just weeks prior to Rice University’s academic year beginning, several dozen incoming Owls traveled to Houston to immerse themselves in the city and the social justice issues local advocates are striving to address through the Ross Rankin Moody Civic Immersion program, one of the flagships of the university’s Center for Civic Leadership (CCL).
Civic Immersion is a service-learning opportunity for incoming students to engage in the greater Houston community while forming close bonds with their fellow Owls before they officially start their academic journeys at Rice. All incoming students were invited to apply to the program, and no previous experience with civic engagement was required.
“Through the program, new Rice students begin their journeys to become leaders for public purpose by discovering their new city and forming a community with fellow students who are passionate about making social impact during and after their time at Rice,” said Rachel Bonini, associate director for the CCL. “As a student-led program, Moody Civic Immersion also offers the opportunity for current Rice students to develop key leadership skills, including assessment, peer mobilization, communication and community partner development.”
During Civic Immersion 2024, students engaged with a multitude of community partners - local charities, nonprofits and advocacy organizations including BakerRipley, Bay Area Turning Point, Bilingual Education Institute, Community Tech Network, Houston Food Bank, LINK Houston, Legacy Community Health, Lilith Fund, NAMI Greater Houston, PAIR Houston, Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services, Tony’s Place and San Jose Clinic.
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