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Envision by WorldStrides
Aerospace Academy
Lift off into the future of aerospace innovation. At Rice University Aerospace Academy, you'll dive into the world of flight technology, propulsion, and design. Through hands-on projects and collaboration with industry professionals, this program empowers you to explore the science of flight, engineer solutions to real challenges, and connect with others who share a passion for aerospace.
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Your Launchpad into Aerospace Engineering
Picture this: you're carrying your prototype rocket across Rice campus with your team, heart racing as you prepare to launch something you designed and built from scratch. That's what the Rice University Aerospace Academy, Fueled by Envision program is all about — hands-on learning where your classrooms are wind tunnels and flight simulators, taught by aerospace engineers and Rice faculty who live for space exploration.
You'll spend mornings in design labs fine-tuning balloon launch experiments, afternoons building rockets or touring NASA Johnson Space Center, and evenings laughing with new friends who share your passion for flight. This program doesn't just show you what aerospace engineers do - it gives you the experience, confidence, and community to become one yourself.
Grades:
9-12Duration:
12 DaysFormat:
ResidentialStarting Price:
$6,999.00Locations, program content, and speakers are subject to change.
Envision by WorldStrides
For over 40 years, Envision—part of the WorldStrides family—has helped students from elementary through high school explore their interests and uncover what excites them most. Our immersive programs are built with educators and industry experts to support career exploration, leadership growth, and college prep. Along the way, students build real-world skills, boost their confidence, and start to see a clearer path toward their future.
Why Students Choose Envision
Real Aerospace Design Challenges
Prototype and test your own rocket concepts through hands-on builds and simulations.
Campus Life at Rice University
Stay in dorms, use campus labs, and explore one of the country’s top-tier research universities.
Rice University Faculty Forums
You'll learn directly from renowned Rice University faculty who'll give you a preview of college-level education while sharing valuable career insights and industry knowledge.
Team Challenges
Join team challenges that test your creativity, problem solving, and ability to innovate under pressure.
Designed to Launch Your Future
Hands-On Engineering and Aerospace Design
You'll plan, design, and launch your own satellite mission under a high-altitude weather balloon while also building and launching a model rocket, gaining hands-on experience in satellite technology and aerospace engineering principles.
Develop Critical Social-Emotional Skills
You'll master the five CASEL skills (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making) that help you understand yourself better, connect with others, and make thoughtful choices in school, friendships, and your future career.
Create a Portfolio-Worthy Documentary
You'll create your own Mission Documentary capturing your entire experience, learning journey, and teamwork skills - a creative reflection piece that showcases your growth and makes a great addition to college applications or internships.
Networking with Industry Professionals.
Meet, mingle, and have real conversations with top professionals from NASA, Rice University, and the space industry. Ask questions, share your interests, and make memorable connections that could open doors in your future.
Dates, Locations, & Tuition
What does the price include?
What does the price include?
Tuition includes room & board, site visits & transportation during program, lectures, simulations, curriculum & materials, and faculty & staff.
Regions:
Rice University
Houston, Texas, United States
$6,999.00Residential
Dates: June 21 - July 2
Duration: 12 Days
$6,999.00Residential
Dates: July 5-16
Duration: 12 Days
We are currently evaluating all aspects of the Aerospace Academy and may make changes to the curriculum, site visits or program location to ensure the program meets the most up-to-date health and safety standards.
Featured Extras
Polygence Experiences
Polygence offers three programs that connect high school students with expert mentors: Pod Program for group research projects, Core Program for individual 1-on-1 mentored research, and WorkLabs for hands-on startup experience with company founders.
Tuition & Travel Protection
Optional protection plan providing comprehensive coverage including trip cancellation, medical evacuation, baggage protection, and accident insurance with assistance services.
Sample Course Schedule
*This sample schedule is provided as an example of the overall quality and scope of a typical program experience and is not intended to represent a specific schedule. The specific schedule, speakers, site visits and details may vary.
Day 1
Meet your Advisor and classroom group, participate in icebreakers, set expectations, and begin your journey as a team.
Day 2
Hear from astronaut Dr. Leroy Chiao about his personal journey, career progression, and advice for students interested in space exploration.
Discover your personality traits and how you collaborate with others, building leadership and teamwork skills for projects throughout the week.
Learn what universities look for in applicants, then join a student panel to ask questions about campus life, academic paths, and preparing for your future.
Explore Rice University’s campus, academic spaces, and student life to experience what it’s like to be part of a top-tier university.
Gain a foundation in the principles of aerodynamics and rocketry to prepare for your aerospace projects.
Get introduced to the week-long documentary project where you’ll begin planning and journaling your experience, capturing the highlights along the way to share with peers at the end of the program.
Enjoy interactive games that spark teamwork and connection, then wind down with new friends at the end of the day.
Day 3
Over the next several days, you’ll work in teams to design, build, and launch a high-altitude weather balloon payload.
Each simulation builds toward your team’s final launch.
Mission Kickoff & Patch Design
Meet your Space Center Houston facilitator, form mission teams, and design a patch for your project.
Equipment Review
Take inventory and review the tools and technology for your payload mission.
Map out the footages shots you will take and storyboard for your documentary.
Explore how AI is advancing aerospace engineering.
Team up for a lively trivia competition that blends aerospace knowledge with fun, followed by time to relax with peers.
Day 4
Payload design studio: learn the parameters for your payload and start shaping your experiment.
Prototype lab: develop a proposal for your experiment and design an early prototype.
Mission math: use meteorological data to predict your balloon’s trajectory and landing zone.
Understand how satellites are designed, launched, and managed.
Capture progress on your prototype and reflect on early design choices.
Work with peers to solve challenges across campus, then enjoy downtime together as friendships continue to grow.
Day 5
Ground experiment: run your experiment on the ground to create a baseline for your launch.
Payload testing: test and adapt your design before launch.
Final calculations: refine ascent and descent rates using final measurements.
Learn how orbital paths are calculated and controlled.
Relax with peers, share reflections on the week so far, and recharge together — just like college students getting ready for a big day ahead.
Day 6
Payload launch: head to the racetrack where your team will countdown and launch your balloon.
Mission control: at Space Center Houston, monitor your balloon’s data in real-time, including its final altitude and landing zone.
Capture launch-day footage and record reflections from your team.
Celebrate your successful launch with friends at the lively Kemah Boardwalk, a waterfront destination filled with shops, restaurants, and rides. Enjoy dinner, walk the boardwalk, and partake in attractions. Students should bring personal spending money for meals and any optional activities they choose to explore.
Day 7
Tour NASA Johnson Space Center, Rocket Park, and astronaut training facilities.
Practice presentation skills using improv and peer feedback.
Add new reflections and footage from your NASA visit and workshop progress.
Learn how space weather impacts communication and exploration.
Relax with friends, share highlights from the day, and support one another’s growth as the week builds momentum.
Day 8
Fly mini drones, build circuits, and program for autonomous flight.
Form teams, assign roles, and plan your rocket design.
Collect feedback from peers to refine your documentary.
Hear from an expert about careers in performance and test flying.
Unwind, connect with peers, and enjoy the kind of friendships and support networks that can last well beyond the program.
Day 9
Design and 3D print rocket components using CAD software.
Build a scale prototype and test rocket stability.
Explore how engineers push the boundaries of space technology.
Film your rocket prototype progress and record team insights.
Review your team’s progress, share insights, and prepare for the final stretch, with time to relax together at the end of the day.
Day 10
Finalize your prototype and test it with a live launch.
Step into simulators, check aircraft systems, and learn from aviation history.
Engage with aerospace professionals in small group discussions.
Document your first rocket launch and capture highlights from the museum visit.
After a big day of launches and expert insights, take time to relax with peers, share stories, and recharge your energy for tomorrow’s final presentations.
Day 11
Make adjustments and complete your final launch.
Edit and polish your documentary for the final showcase.
Share your completed documentaries with peers from your group.
Gather with peers to celebrate the journey and reflect on personal growth.
Take the stage for a fun showcase of talents and skits in a Variety Show, then enjoy this final night with the friends and memories you’ve made throughout the program.
Day 12
Head home with new memories, lifelong friends, and experiences you’ll carry into the future.
Students flying home will be escorted to the airport; others will remain until pick-up.
Health & Safety
Travel with confidence knowing you're never alone out there. When you choose Envision by WorldStrides, you've got an entire support network working around the clock to keep you safe.
Learn More
Safety Monitoring
Extensive Preparation
Local Support
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Envision Aerospace Academy experience really like?
It’s a pre-college program that blends hands-on aerospace engineering challenges, team-based design projects, and real campus living. You’ll explore the science behind flight, build prototypes, and gain experience that looks great on college applications.
Is this just another STEM summer camp?
No. This is a serious, immersive experience for high school students who want to explore aerospace engineering at the next level. You’ll work with real tools and collaborate with peers who are just as driven as you are.
Who should attend?
This program is perfect for high school students interested in aerospace, mechanical engineering, aviation, or space systems. No prior experience is required. Just curiosity and a passion for STEM.
Where is the program held?
The program is held exclusively at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Rice is a top-ranked institution known for its research, innovation, and vibrant campus community.
Will this help with college admissions?
Absolutely. You’ll earn college credit and walk away with hands-on project experience, insight into college-level engineering, and a Certificate of Achievement that shows your commitment to STEM.
Your Nomination Makes An Impact
For over 40 years, Envision’s programs have helped students discover their passion, test drive careers, and develop as leaders. Give students an opportunity to reach their full potential by nominating them today.