Are you a Rice University student passionate about making a positive impact on the Houston community? The Rich Family Endowment (RFE) offers a unique opportunity to turn your ideas into reality. Starting this academic year, the application process is even more accessible with a rolling deadline, allowing you to apply when you are ready.
For detailed information and submission guidelines, please visit the RFE InfoReady page.
Guidance for Aspiring Leaders: Students developing their applications are encouraged to utilize the Center for Civic Leadership’s (CCL) drop-in advising hours. Meet with an advisor to discuss your RFE proposal at any stage of development. We are here to support you!
Partnership and Support: The CCL team is dedicated to assisting students throughout the application process and will convene the selection committee in the coming weeks. For any inquiries, please contact Domenique Montgomery at dm72@rice.edu or Dr. Veronica Reyna at vr33@rice.edu. To schedule a meeting with Domenique Montgomery, please use this link: HERE.
Rich Family Endowment: Program Overview
The Rich Family Endowment, a cornerstone Act Level program within the Center for Civic Leadership, is designed to cultivate student leadership through civic engagement. This program provides crucial resources including connections within the Houston community, guidance on civic professionalism and ethical engagement, mentorship from alumni, and direct funding to support student-led civic projects. Individual students or small groups are invited to apply. Successful applicants will partner with a community organization, identify a pressing community need, and propose a project to address that need throughout the semester, including a clear implementation timeline. Applications should be submitted at least six weeks prior to the anticipated project start date. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with a CCL advisor before submitting their application to maximize their chances of success.
Mission: Fostering Societal Impact through Leadership
The core mission of the Hilda and Hershel Rich Family Endowment is to empower student leadership to drive positive societal change. This is achieved through direct service initiatives, advocacy efforts, and other impactful activities. Successful RFE projects will actively engage with both the Houston community and the Rice University campus community, fostering leadership skills, innovation, and creativity among Rice students. Furthermore, applications must align with the broader mission of the Center for Civic Leadership: “to foster community-university collaborations that analyze the complexity of social issues and take actions to promote equitable and inclusive communities.” Applicants are expected to demonstrate a well-informed and ethically grounded approach to their proposed projects, aligning with the values of the Rich Family Endowment.
Ideal Project Timeline
- Application Submission: Minimum 6 weeks prior to the project’s tentative start date.
- Application Review: Committee review and feedback provision.
- Application Status Notification: Applicants are informed of the outcome of their application.
- Pre-Implementation Modules: Students complete required pre-project modules.
- Program Lead Meetings: Minimum of two meetings with the program lead for guidance and support.
- Project Implementation: Students execute their proposed projects.
- Project Assessment: Students conduct a thorough assessment of their project’s impact and outcomes.
- Post-Project Modules: Students complete post-project modules for reflection and further learning.
- Showcase Event: Students prepare and present their projects at a dedicated showcase event.
- Leadership Impact Event: Students participate in a Leadership Impact Event to share experiences and insights.
Contact Information:
Domenique Montgomery (dm72@rice.edu); Dr. Veronica Reyna (vr33@rice.edu)
Schedule a meeting with Domenique Montgomery: HERE.
