Removing Barriers. Expanding Opportunities.
At the Center for Career Development, we want to ensure that financial barriers don’t stop you from building your future. We are here to help you strategize, find the right funding, and navigate your options so you can focus on gaining experience rather than stressing over expenses.
How We Can Help You Strategize
Finding funding takes research, but you do not have to do it alone.
Talk to a Career Advisor: Schedule an appointment with a CCD staff member or use our virtual Drop-In service (no appointment needed).
Professional Development Funding at Rice
Rice offers several funds designed to support your co-curricular and professional development across all majors.
- CCD Owl Edge Summer Experience Fund: Up to $5,000 to cover transportation and living expenses for undergraduates' unpaid or underpaid summer experiences.
- Moody Opportunity Fund: Financial assistance for undergraduates seeking to fund co-curricular opportunities tied to academic and professional growth.
- OURI Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship: $3,000 stipend for undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds (including first-generation and limited-income) to complete 150 hours of supervised summer research with Rice faculty.
- OURI Undergraduate Conference Funding: Up to $500 to present research, or up to $100 to attend a virtual or in-person conference.
- Dean of Undergraduates Access and Opportunity Portal (AOP): Funding to make academic, social, and professional opportunities accessible to undergraduates, plus emergency funding for urgent needs.
- Graduate Student Association (GSA) Funding: The GSA provides funding to student organizations for various activities that benefit the graduate student body.
School & Program-Specific Funding
Many departments and centers here at Rice offer targeted funding for their students:
| Department/Center | Opportunity | What it Provides |
|---|---|---|
| School of Social Sciences | Gateway Summer Fellowship | A $4,000 stipend for uncompensated summer internships. |
| School of Natural Sciences | Summer Research Fellowships | ~$600/week for 10-week faculty research; the Russell Shearn Moody Pathway expands this access. |
| School of Humanities | HEDGE Summer Internship Fund | Enables Rice undergraduate students to apply humanities skills and gain professional experience in law, health, business, journalism, the creative arts, and other exciting career fields. |
| Engineering | Various Awards | Scholarships via George R. Brown, Rice Engineering Alumni (REA), and Rice Global E&C. |
| Center for Civic Leadership (CCL) | Learn. Act. Create Change. Opportunities | Cost-of-living stipends and funding for civically engaged summer projects and mentorships. |
| Baker Institute | Jesse Jones Leadership Center Summer in D.C. Policy Research Internship Program | A stipend for 10–12 returning undergraduates doing policy internships in Washington, D.C. |
| Chao Center for Asian Studies | Department Awards | Scholarships, research, and internship funding for Chao Center for Asian Studies degree-seeking candidates. |
Professional Attire Access
Need professional attire? Dressing professionally is a key step in making a great first impression, but we recognize that building a career wardrobe can be a prohibitive expense for students. Rice students can access business wear through CCD initiatives:
- CCD Career Closet: We host Career Closet Pop-Up Shops for students to choose and keep free, gently-used professional clothing. Check out the events tab on 12twenty for the next Career Closet shopping date. If you have an immediate need for attire for an interview, presentation, or conference, email us at ccd@rice.edu to schedule a time to shop the closet.
- Community Partner Referrals: We partner with Dress for Success Houston and Career Gear Houston. To receive support from these partners, schedule a Professional Attire Referral Appointment via 12twenty. Your advisor will guide you through the process for these organizations. We recommend scheduling referrals a few weeks before your event to ensure a perfect fit!
Further Resources
Consider these additional suggestions to jumpstart your search:
- Start at Rice: Fondren Library Guides, CCL and Grad databases, and Public Affairs scholarship lists
- Search Nationally: College Board, Fast Web, Peterson’s, FinAid, Sallie Mae, and Go College
- Target Your Field: Explore professional association websites and chapters for student support offerings
- Check Government & Local Resources: Grants.gov and the Greater Houston Community Foundation
Take it one step at a time, and remember, if you feel stuck, schedule an appointment with the CCD!
For a full list of alternative resources, view our alternative resources page here.
Disclaimer: Rice University does not assume legal liability for the accuracy or usefulness of external materials on this site. Referencing a program does not imply endorsement by Rice University or the CCD. You assume all responsibility for the use of this information.