Aerospace Academy FAQs

• Is the Aerospace Academy for me?

  If you are a high school student ready to build a path to success in college and a career in either aerospace or aviation, this program is for you.

  To attend a 2024 summer session of the Rice University Aerospace Academy, Fueled by Envision, you must be in grades 9-12 during the 2023-2024 school year. Most of our students are either nominated by educators or selected through our academic partnerships. However, we also accept students through our application process. If you haven't been nominated or selected but are interested in taking advantage of the life-changing opportunities that this program provides, we encourage you to submit an application today.

• What is included in tuition?

  Your tuition for the Aerospace Academy includes housing, on-site meals, supervisory personnel, program materials, all program activities, site visits, a Certificate of Completion, and local transportation during the program.

  However, your transportation between home and Houston, TX is NOT included in tuition. While attending the program, you'll need money for off-site meals, souvenirs, snacks, and other incidentals.

• How will I be supervised?

  Your safety and well-being during the program is our highest priority. The program is structured so that you will reside in a safe, controlled environment. You'll be closely supervised by a professionally trained Envision team, including advisors who serve as educational facilitators and chaperones, security personnel, operations personnel, and a program coordinator.

  For over 35 years, Envision has achieved a stellar record of safely and successfully enriching the lives of students, providing them with superb educational experiences and professional supervision. Other Envision safety measures include:

  • Greeting students at the designated airport upon their arrival, providing shuttle service directly to the program site, and providing shuttle service back to the airport on Departure Day*
  • Maintaining a student-to-staff ratio of 25 to 1
  • Requiring all students to attend all activities
  • Checking rooms nightly and ensuring that students remain in their rooms
  • Having night monitors in place to support students who may become ill or who have an emergency during the night
  • Equipping all team members with two-way communication devices

   

  *There is an additional fee for shuttle service.

• Where will I stay?

  Instruction and housing for the Aerospace Academy will take place on the Rice University campus in Houston, TX.

• How many students share a room?

  Each room will house two to three students. You will have your own bed.

• What is the code of conduct for this program?

  You are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct. You also must abide by and uphold all program rules. We expect you to conduct yourself as a mature and responsible leader who represents your school and community.

• I am a student requiring specific accommodations. Can I still attend?

  Yes, we encourage you to enroll. Envision by WorldStrides believes in working with families to accommodate student needs and encourages the participation of students who feel prepared to meet the academic, social, physical, and emotional demands of the program environment. We may be able to provide appropriate auxiliary staff and services to assist students as needed if notified in advance. We encourage families, guardians, legal representatives, or educators to contact the Office of Admissions for more information and to discuss particular accommodations before applying for enrollment in the program.

• Do I need to make my own transportation arrangements?

  Yes. Your tuition does not include transportation to and from Houston, TX. We recommend that you make necessary flight arrangements only AFTER you receive confirmation that you are officially enrolled.

  Shuttle service between the program location and the George H.W. Bush Airport is available on the first and last days of the program for an additional fee. Envision team members will be stationed in the airport to assist arriving students. Details about arrival windows and the airport shuttle service will be included in your personal MyEnvisionExperience.com web page after you enroll.

• Can my parents attend the program?
  No. Your parents or guardians are not allowed to accompany you during the program. Gaining independence, including experiencing new things on your own, is an essential part of your growth during the program. However, it is perfectly fine for your family to travel with you to the program location and stay in the area while you are attending the program.
  
• What are the pre-program assignments? Do I have to do them?

  The first step of your leadership journey includes assessing your strengths and opportunities for growth. As part of your program, you'll have access to WorldStrides' newest digital platform: MyActionPath.

  WorldStrides has partnered with PAIRIN, a leader in career and life planning and assessment, to help our students along their lifetime learning journeys. The result of this partnership is MyActionPath—a personalized, virtual GPS that guides you along your desired career pathway and helps you identify ways to enhance your skills and achieve your goals. MyActionPath can assist you in deciding which professional field might suit you best, makes recommendations based on your goals and dreams, and provides you with educational and supportive resources. Before you arrive to your program location, you'll receive more information via email on how to begin this exciting career-planning journey.

• Can special dietary needs be met?

  We make every effort to meet the dietary needs of all our students, provided the request is submitted prior to the start of the conference. When you complete the Student Information Form, you will have the opportunity to make special dietary requests.

• Can I use the campus facilities (gym, pool, etc.)?

  Students are not permitted to use university facilities such as the pool or recreation center.