- Residential students step onto campus, immerse yourself in the excitement as you navigate registration, connect with peers, and set the stage for the week ahead.
Envision by WorldStrides
Rice ELITE Tech Camp
Transform from aspiring engineer to confident developer at Rice University through hands-on projects, advanced algorithms, and startup simulations with Rice faculty and industry pros.
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Engineer Tomorrow's Digital Breakthroughs
Ever wondered what it's like to train an AI model or program a robot? At Rice ELITE Tech Camp, powered by Envision, you won't just wonder — you'll actually do it. Picture yourself building AI that recognizes patterns, programming robots to navigate obstacles, and solving real engineering problems alongside other tech-obsessed students.
This isn't about sitting through lectures. Rice University's Center for Engineering Leadership created this program specifically for passionate high schoolers ready to become Emerging Leaders in Technology and Engineering (that's what ELITE stands for). You'll tackle college-level engineering concepts designed by Rice faculty and taught by current Rice students who know exactly what it takes to succeed.
Your days are packed with hands-on projects, advanced algorithms, engineering leadership workshops, and collaborative problem-solving that mirrors what's happening at real companies right now. Evenings? That's when you bond with your new tech friends and get pumped for tomorrow's innovations. You'll develop the problem-solving mindset and innovative thinking that drive breakthrough technologies, leaving with advanced programming skills, an impressive project portfolio, and the confidence to build tomorrow's digital world.
Grades:
8-11Duration:
5 - 7 DaysFormat:
Commuter, ResidentialStarting Price:
$1,799.00Locations, 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 Rice ELITE Tech Camp
College-Level Engineering Instruction
Learn through college-level courses developed by Rice faculty and engineers with expertise in AI, machine learning, mechanical engineering, and advanced programming.
Advanced Technology Projects
Explore neural networks, 3D print models, program IoT sensors, and code solutions for robotics and biomedical challenges.
Engineering Leadership Development
Participate in engineering leadership workshops that teach you project management, professional communication, and career exploration skills to excel in the classroom and beyond.
Experience Life as a College Student
Get a real taste of college life at Rice University and discover how campus experiences can shape your future education choices and career plans.
Designed to Launch Your Technology Career
Advanced Programming Skills
Create impressive programming projects like thermal energy models, 3D designs, and machine learning apps that showcase your technical skills to colleges and employers.
Industry-Relevant Transferrable Skills
Learn skills beyond typical engineering classes through hands-on experiences that teach you to share your vision, build strong teams, and create lasting innovations.
Future Tech-Leadership Preparation
Learn leadership fundamentals through the engineering design process while developing project management and communication skills that help you stand out.
Find Your Tech Tribe
Meet other students from around the world and build friendships with people who get excited about algorithms - connections that create a network of future collaborators.
Choose Your Technology Specialty
Robotic Engineering I: Adding Robot Muscles to Your Inventive Ideas
Overview
This course will introduce students to the design and use of electric motors in automation (including robots). We will discuss the types of motors and how to select the right type for the application. We will talk about motor controllers and how to make them operate using signals from an Arduino. Concepts of torque, speed, power and efficiency will be introduced to allow students to pick the correctly sized motor for their project. We can discuss solenoids and linear actuators and how they are used to power and control hydraulic and pneumatic systems which are other popular means to give robots muscle.
Robotic Engineering II: Adding Sensors for Your Robot to See, Hear, Feel, and Smell
Overview
Future engineers who want to work with robots often think of humanoid robots. However, any intelligent machine that can gather information about its surroundings and decide how to act is a robot. Sensors are the devices that give robots access to this. In this class, you will learn how to allow your robot to see, hear, feel (e.g., force, pressure, temperature), and even smell (e.g., detect levels of CO2 or other matter in the air). Students in this course will learn to deploy senses and work with the Arduino platform within a robotics context. They will gain hands-on experiences and experimentation. Note: Students do not need to take Robotics I in order to take Robotics II.
Biomedical Engineering: Musculoskeletal dynamics of human motion
Overview
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of biomedical engineering through a dual framework of computational and experimental analysis. Students will employ state-of-the-art methods to learn how to simulate musculoskeletal dynamics within the context of typical human activity, such as walking, running, and jumping. Students will also learn how to precisely identify and quantify joint movement while conducting physical experiments, including the sit-and-reach test and various types of jump tests. At the end of the class, students will employ these general concepts in a simulation design challenge that involves applications to sports and physical therapy.
Learning C++ for Human Spaceflight Engineering
Overview
On May 30, 2020, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket vehicle propelled a crew of NASA astronauts to the International Space Station and returned to its first stage back for a landing on a drone ship. The engineering behind this feat of space travel requires an understanding of scientific computation. In this course, the students will learn the concepts of fluid mechanics that allow scientists to design smaller, faster, and more economical rockets. Rocket design parameters and their effect on human spaceflight will be explored as students acquire programming skills in C++
Internet of Things, Machine Learning & Python
Overview
This course will focus on exposing students to Applied Machine Learning (ML) Concepts and the Internet of Things (IOT), by way of hands-on modules that leverage real time sensors. Through this course, students gain exposure to ML concepts, code examples in Python and MySQL, and deploy their code to a cloud environment for testing. Students will walk away with understanding as to how each of these technologies are applied in Industry, as well as seeing the underlying connection to core subjects.
3D Modeling & 3D Printing
Overview
This technology track relates to 3D modeling and 3D printing. The instructor will give hands on lessons about their applications, how to design in a 3D environment (Fusion 360) and how to prepare files for DFaM (design for additive manufacturing). This course will provide a broad understanding of these topics and shall culminate with students creating a unique 3D model that will be ready for 3D printing. At the end of the course, they will be printed and delivered to the students.
Learning Python to Solve Engineering Problems
Overview
Mechanical engineers often study how food and other materials heat up, and organizations such as Proctor & Gamble, NASA, and Tesla, use computer code to predict thermal energy behavior. In this track, learn to solve thermal energy problems like a mechanical engineer as you develop your own Python code to model temperature changes when food is cooked and predict when it reaches a safe-to-eat temperature. Then, set-up a home experiment to test and verify the temperature predictions.
Deep Learning: Deploying AI to Maintain Smart Cities
Overview
Civil engineers design, construct, and maintain highways, bridges, and other structures. As civil engineers help design the smart cities of the future, they apply artificial intelligence and deep neural learning to create programs to automatically recognize when structures are damaged. In this course, you will use Python to design and implement a neural network algorithm capable of classifying structure images as damaged and determine the damage level.
Robotic Engineering I: Adding Robot Muscles to Your Inventive Ideas
This course will introduce students to the design and use of electric motors in automation (including robots). We will discuss the types of motors and how to select the right type for the application. We will talk about motor controllers and how to make them operate using signals from an Arduino. Concepts of torque, speed, power and efficiency will be introduced to allow students to pick the correctly sized motor for their project. We can discuss solenoids and linear actuators and how they are used to power and control hydraulic and pneumatic systems which are other popular means to give robots muscle.
Robotic Engineering II: Adding Sensors for Your Robot to See, Hear, Feel, and Smell
Future engineers who want to work with robots often think of humanoid robots. However, any intelligent machine that can gather information about its surroundings and decide how to act is a robot. Sensors are the devices that give robots access to this. In this class, you will learn how to allow your robot to see, hear, feel (e.g., force, pressure, temperature), and even smell (e.g., detect levels of CO2 or other matter in the air). Students in this course will learn to deploy senses and work with the Arduino platform within a robotics context. They will gain hands-on experiences and experimentation. Note: Students do not need to take Robotics I in order to take Robotics II.
Biomedical Engineering: Musculoskeletal dynamics of human motion
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of biomedical engineering through a dual framework of computational and experimental analysis. Students will employ state-of-the-art methods to learn how to simulate musculoskeletal dynamics within the context of typical human activity, such as walking, running, and jumping. Students will also learn how to precisely identify and quantify joint movement while conducting physical experiments, including the sit-and-reach test and various types of jump tests. At the end of the class, students will employ these general concepts in a simulation design challenge that involves applications to sports and physical therapy.
Learning C++ for Human Spaceflight Engineering
On May 30, 2020, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket vehicle propelled a crew of NASA astronauts to the International Space Station and returned to its first stage back for a landing on a drone ship. The engineering behind this feat of space travel requires an understanding of scientific computation. In this course, the students will learn the concepts of fluid mechanics that allow scientists to design smaller, faster, and more economical rockets. Rocket design parameters and their effect on human spaceflight will be explored as students acquire programming skills in C++
Internet of Things, Machine Learning & Python
This course will focus on exposing students to Applied Machine Learning (ML) Concepts and the Internet of Things (IOT), by way of hands-on modules that leverage real time sensors. Through this course, students gain exposure to ML concepts, code examples in Python and MySQL, and deploy their code to a cloud environment for testing. Students will walk away with understanding as to how each of these technologies are applied in Industry, as well as seeing the underlying connection to core subjects.
3D Modeling & 3D Printing
This technology track relates to 3D modeling and 3D printing. The instructor will give hands on lessons about their applications, how to design in a 3D environment (Fusion 360) and how to prepare files for DFaM (design for additive manufacturing). This course will provide a broad understanding of these topics and shall culminate with students creating a unique 3D model that will be ready for 3D printing. At the end of the course, they will be printed and delivered to the students.
Learning Python to Solve Engineering Problems
Mechanical engineers often study how food and other materials heat up, and organizations such as Proctor & Gamble, NASA, and Tesla, use computer code to predict thermal energy behavior. In this track, learn to solve thermal energy problems like a mechanical engineer as you develop your own Python code to model temperature changes when food is cooked and predict when it reaches a safe-to-eat temperature. Then, set-up a home experiment to test and verify the temperature predictions.
Deep Learning: Deploying AI to Maintain Smart Cities
Civil engineers design, construct, and maintain highways, bridges, and other structures. As civil engineers help design the smart cities of the future, they apply artificial intelligence and deep neural learning to create programs to automatically recognize when structures are damaged. In this course, you will use Python to design and implement a neural network algorithm capable of classifying structure images as damaged and determine the damage level.
Dates, Locations, & Tuition
What does the price include?
What does the price include?
Residential tuition includes room & board, lectures, simulations, curriculum & materials, and staff. Commuter tuition does not include room & board but does include on-campus lunches.
Regions:
Rice University
Houston, Texas, United States
$3,899.00Residential
Dates: June 21-27
Duration: 7 Days
$1,799.00Commuter
Dates: June 22-26
Duration: 5 Days
See Full List of Dates
June 21-27, 2026Date
ResidentialFormat
$3,899.00Price
8-11Grade
June 22-26, 2026
Commuter
$1,799.00
8-11
July 5-11, 2026
Residential
$3,899.00
8-11
July 6-10, 2026
Commuter
$1,799.00
8-11
July 12-18, 2026
Residential
$3,899.00
8-11
July 13-17, 2026
Commuter
$1,799.00
8-11
July 19-25, 2026
Residential
$3,899.00
8-11
July 20-24, 2026
Commuter
$1,799.00
8-11
June 21-27, 2026
Grades: 8-11
Residential & Commuter starting at $1,799.00
July 5-11, 2026
Grades: 8-11
Residential & Commuter starting at $1,799.00
July 12-18, 2026
Grades: 8-11
Residential & Commuter starting at $1,799.00
July 19-25, 2026
Grades: 8-11
Residential & Commuter starting at $1,799.00
*Commuter programs are for students who live within daily commuting distance of the program location, and who do not wish to reside with other students during the program.
Please note: We are currently evaluating all aspects of Rice ELITE Tech Camp 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.
Please note: We are currently evaluating all aspects of Rice ELITE Tech Camp 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.
Gaming Online Experience
Gaming Online Experience offers comprehensive online courses in Roblox game design, Unity development with C#, and Python AI/ML programming, providing aspiring developers with hands-on experience building real games through self-paced instruction from industry professionals partnered with George Mason University.
Sample Itinerary
* Exact itinerary will vary by session and location. Participants should reference the itinerary provided as part of their enrollment package
Course Spotlights shown in this schedule are examples pulled from all eight course options and are not intended to represent any individual student’s schedule.
Day 1 Residential Students Welcome
- Kick off the week with opening remarks from the Rice Center for Engineering Leadership (RCEL). Gain insights about the role of engineers in shaping the future and how your week at Rice will prepare you to think and act like one.
- Meet your Advisor and classroom group, participate in icebreakers, and set expectations as you begin your journey together as a team. Wrap up the evening with a chance to relax and settle into campus life.
Day 2 Course Spotlights: Smart Cities & Robotics Foundations
- Commuter students arrive on campus, check in with staff, and step into the excitement of the week as they meet peers and join their classroom groups for the journey ahead.
- Use Python to train neural networks that detect damage in roads and bridges — the same tools civil engineers use to keep infrastructure safe. Perfect for students curious about AI, data science, or civil/structural engineering.
- Wire motors, actuators, and controllers to build robot “muscle,” exploring torque, speed, and efficiency. A hands-on path into mechanical engineering, robotics, and automation.
- Walk the campus with your team, tour and explore academic spaces, and get a first taste of life as a Rice student.
Day 3 Course Spotlights: Programming Meets Intelligent Machines
- Code your own solutions to real-world challenges, like predicting when food is safe to eat, using the same modeling tools used in industry. A launchpad for mechanical engineering, thermal sciences, and applied computer science.
- Equip robots with sensors that let them “see,” “hear,” and respond to their environment. Great to explore careers in mechatronics, robotics, and AI-driven engineering.
- Strengthen your communication skills through a hands-on public speaking activity, then explore personality styles and teamwork in the Game of Life career challenge.
Day 4 Course Spotlights: From Design Studio to Connected Tech
- Hands-on lessons about the applications of 3D modeling and 3D printing, how to design in a 3D environment, and how to prepare files for DFaM (design for additive manufacturing). Great for students interested in mechanical engineering, industrial design, and 3D manufacturing.
- Gain exposure to applied machine learning (ML) concepts, code examples in Python, and deploy code to a cloud environment for testing. Connect sensors, coding, and cloud systems to see how data powers modern smart industry. A pathway into computer engineering, electrical engineering, and IoT careers.
- Work with your team to design and build your own water bottle rocket in this fun, fast-paced engineering challenge.
Day 5 Course Spotlights: Aerospace & Biomedical Frontiers
- Explore fundamentals of spaceflight and learn the basics of C++ programming language by solving interactive problems encountered by space and rocket scientists. Ideal for future aerospace engineers and programmers.
- Simulate musculoskeletal dynamics, run experiments on human motion, and connect biomechanics to sports and physical therapy. Perfect for those eyeing biomedical engineering, sports science, or healthcare tech.
- Head outdoors to test your rocket design and compete with peers to see whose build flies the highest.
Day 6 Project Completion & Celebration
- Bring your week’s projects to completion, polishing designs and preparing for any demonstrations.
- Finish and refine your work in afternoon courses, share outcomes with peers, and celebrate your achievement.
- Commuter students depart after afternoon coursework, taking with them new skills, friendships, and experiences to carry forward.
- Residential students spend your final evening with friends, reflecting on the week, and enjoying time together before departure. Relax, share memories, and connect with your group one last time.
Day 7 Residential Departure
- Head home with new memories, lifelong friends, and experiences you’ll carry into the future.
- Students flying home will be escorted to the airport; all others will remain on campus 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
Learn from the Best in Engineering and Technology
Our head instructors are PhD-level engineers, university faculty, and industry professionals who bring real-world expertise to every lesson
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend?
This program is ideal for high school students interested in engineering, computer science, robotics, AI, biomedical engineering, or emerging tech fields. To attend Rice ELITE Tech Camp, you must be in grades 8–11 (rising 9th–12th graders only).
Do I need prior programming experience to succeed in this program?
No programming experience required! Our curriculum meets you wherever you are skill-wise and guides you through college-level concepts. The only exception is our Learning C++ for Human Spaceflight course, which works best if you've taken physics first. Rice University student instructors provide personalized help during Learning Lab sessions, and with small class sizes, you'll get plenty of individual attention to ensure you succeed.
What makes Rice ELITE Tech different from other summer technology programs?
Rice ELITE Tech is the only program designed by PhD-level engineers and delivered by Rice University students on the prestigious Rice University campus. Our unique combination of college-level engineering content, leadership development workshops, and hands-on project-based learning sets us apart. Students get exposure to multiple cutting-edge technology fields while building both technical skills and professional competencies essential for engineering leadership.
What will I take home from this program?
You'll leave with a sophisticated portfolio of programming projects, advanced skills in multiple programming languages and technologies, completion certificates for engineering leadership workshops, valuable connections with Rice faculty and peers, and the confidence to tackle complex technology challenges. Many students use their project portfolios for college applications and internship opportunities.
How does this program prepare me for college and careers in technology?
Rice ELITE Tech provides authentic college-level learning experiences on a prestigious university campus, exposure to diverse engineering and technology career paths, development of professional skills through leadership workshops, and networking opportunities with faculty and industry professionals. The program helps students understand college life while building the technical competencies and leadership skills that distinguish successful technology professionals.
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