
Rice University hosted five high school students for a forward-thinking summer pilot program named the ETC Lab, designed to equip high school juniors and seniors with the tools to become empowered, civically engaged citizens and future leaders.
Rooted in entrepreneurship, technology and civics — hence the nickname ETC Lab — daily workshops offered hands-on mentorship, collaborative learning and independent projects to help students understand how these critical areas intersect in today’s society.
Sponsored in part by the Office of Public Affairs’ government relations division, Rice provided classroom space and lunches during nine days of instruction. The program culminated with a trip to Austin to visit the State Capitol and attend state board of education meetings and a press conference.
The program was coordinated in conjunction with Staci Childs, who represents State Board of Education District 4, advocating for students in central, northeast and southeast Houston as well as parts of Galveston County.
“The ETC Lab Summer 2025 pilot was a resounding success,” Childs said. “In its first year, the lab’s summer pilot program was a declaration that the future of civic leadership is already here. We worked with five of Houston’s most brilliant high school students to give them what every young person deserves: access, opportunity and the audacity to understand and believe in their voice.
“Our curriculum pushed students to explore not just the structures of power but the power already within them. They learned how their personal identities shape what they care about and that what they care about is vital to the world. From building mock campaigns for U.S. Senate, city council and district attorney, recording their own podcasts and testifying at the Texas State Board of Education, these young leaders embraced every climb we set before them.”
Plans are underway for Rice to host another ETC Lab next year.
