The HERE for Houston High School outreach program enhances Rice’s relationship to a High School audience generally not represented in substantial ways in its undergraduate population. Students at some of the more economically challenged Houston high schools participated in programs encouraging them to think creatively about solutions to problems facing their communities.
Current K-12 Opportunities
Material Culture Visits
We invite high school classes, student groups, and community organizations to visit campus for an engaging, interdisciplinary experience centered on material culture, archives, and the arts. During this hands-on exploration of archival materials, art, and material culture, students will engage with primary materials and create projects through writing, photography, visual art, and other creative approaches.
We provide the instructor, student helpers, and materials; schools and organizations provide students and transportation.
To schedule a Material Culture Visit send an email to connect with our program team.
We will work with you to organize and develop a curated experience.
Chess Kidz Rock Tournaments
CERCL's student club ACE@Rice has hosted Perfect Team Play, Inc. National & International Chess Day Tournaments for K-12 students on Rice University campus since 2023.
Chess strengthens critical thinking, problem-solving, concentration, strategic planning, and decision-making skills that benefit students in the classroom and beyond. Hosting a K–12 chess tournament on a college campus also gives students an early opportunity to experience higher education firsthand, build confidence in college spaces, and begin envisioning themselves as future college students. Early campus experiences can help make college feel more familiar, accessible, and attainable.
Our next Chess Kidz Rock Tournament is on National Chess Day October 10, 2026.
Send an email for more information and registration.
CERCL K-12 Outreach History
2025-2026 HERE for Houston Rap Writing Contest
Building on the success of the High School Essay Contest (2008–2024), Kimberly Lewis, joining CERCL as a visiting fellow from the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) Doctor of Education Leadership program, expanded CERCLs outreach mission by engaging more students through the creative power of Hip Hop. The contest empowered Houston-area 10th and 11th grade students from select Title I public high schools to write and record original rap songs that addressed pressing challenges facing their communities while proposing thoughtful solutions. Through songwriting and performance, students strengthened their writing, communication, and critical thinking skills while demonstrating how music can inspire dialogue, civic engagement, and positive change.
The program also provided students with valuable college preparation and academic enrichment opportunities. All participants were invited to a rap writing workshop, a Rice University campus tour, and conversations with current Rice students about admissions and college life. Top entrants earned a Princeton Review SAT Prep course, while finalists performed their original songs at the awards ceremony, where scholarships were awarded to the top three performers. Together, these experiences helped students develop their academic potential, creative confidence, and readiness for college and beyond.
2008-2025 High School Essay Contest
The CERCL/ACE@Rice Essay Contest empowered high-achieving sophomores and juniors from participating Houston Independent School District (HISD) Title I high schools to strengthen their writing, critical thinking, and college readiness. Eligible students submitted a 500–750 word essay responding to prompts that challenged them to propose solutions to some of Houston's most pressing issues, including diversity, transportation, health care, education, violence, technology, immigration, and other topics affecting the region. Essays were evaluated by a selection committee based on the quality of thought, organization, argumentation, and adherence to contest guidelines.
Beyond the competition, the program provided valuable academic enrichment and college preparation opportunities. All participants attended a writing and college admissions workshop at Rice University, while the top ten essayists earned a summer Princeton Review SAT Prep course. Scholarships of up to $1,000 were presented to the top three winners, and schools with five or more winning essays received special recognition, reflecting the program's commitment to supporting student success and building lasting partnerships with participating schools.
In the News
CERCL's founding Director, Anthony Pinn, the Agnes Cullen Arnold Professor of Humanities and professor of religious studies, and Ana Cuello, the first place winner of our 2009 Essay Contest were featured on KRIV-TV's 'Hola Houston'.