Rice University's Computer Engineering Design Academy—Summer Programs for Middle School Students

If you’re an inquisitive middle school student looking for a summer opportunity to build your critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, consider participating in a computer engineering program. Studying computer engineering at an early age has several benefits: you understand our tech-driven world better, get introduced to fundamental STEM concepts, learn how to code, and channel your creativity into an innovative project! 

STEM-focused summer programs make you future-ready by exposing you to related careers and the skills you need to learn to excel in them. You learn the importance of teamwork and collaboration and can network with like-minded peers from across the country and internationally. Summer programs prove a demonstrated interest in a subject, which adds value to your student profile!

Rice University’s Computer Engineering Design Academy is a program worth considering for middle school students. We will review the program in this blog, providing information on its offerings, what you can study, prestige, eligibility criteria, and important application dates, ending with the pros and cons of the program to help you decide whether it’s a good fit for you. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.

What is Rice University's Computer Engineering Design Academy all about?

The Computer Engineering Design Academy is a week-long, in-person summer program for grades 6-8. Here, students use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programming to design items that connect STEM principles to real-life applications. Each year, students focus on a unique design project. Students part of the previous cohort designed rovers and learned how to use 3D printers. 

What are the important dates?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until seats are filled. Usually, this happens sometime in April. The program has two week-long sessions, each covering the same syllabus. The past dates were June 24–28 and July 15–19. The new sessions will likely be held on similar dates in June and July. The deadline to apply for scholarships was April 19. 

How much does the program cost?

The week-long session costs $499, plus an unspecified registration fee. The program fee includes lunch (Monday-Friday) and materials. Limited scholarship opportunities are available. 

Is the program prestigious?

The Computer Engineering Design Academy is moderately selective and prestigious. While data on cohort size and acceptance rate are unavailable, Rice University is a leading U.S. institution that ranks in the top 20 nationally. Its computer science department ranks #27 in the U.S. Given that you will be taught by college faculty and use campus laboratories and other facilities, you can expect to receive quality instruction. 

What is the eligibility criteria?

All middle school students in grades 6-8 can apply for the program!

How is the program structured?

The program runs for one week, and students will learn CAD programming during this time. The Academy aims to use design programming to connect STEM concepts to their real-world applications. During the week, students will make use of CAD and 3D printing to learn more about manufacturing techniques, especially rapid prototyping. The syllabus changes each year; in last year, students used Micro: bit, a handheld device that supports coding in Python, to design and build rovers. 

In previous years, students have attempted projects like building a Bluetooth car using the Arduino Uno microprocessor, familiarizing themselves with circuits, sensors, and If/Else, For, and While computer commands to program their vehicle. 

Pros and cons of applying to the Computer Engineering Design Academy:

Now that we know what the program is about, let’s dive into some reasons why it could be a good fit, and a few others why you might be better off considering another program.

Pros:

1. You get to experience learning on a college campus

The program takes place at the Rice University campus in Houston, Texas. Spending a week here lets you sample college life, use the different facilities (including laboratories!), and meet students from different parts of the country, providing a unique and formative experience at a young age.

2. You can expand your peer network

A benefit of summer programs is that you meet students in your age group from different parts of the U.S. and the world! Not only do they bring unique ideas and insights to the coursework but you will also have the opportunity to experience and learn from different cultures. 

3. You get to learn from respected faculty

Rice University is a leading U.S. college, ranking #17 nationally. Its computer science department ranks #27. You will be taught by department faculty and students during the program, who, combined, have a wealth of experience in teaching. 

4. You get a practical understanding of STEM concepts

The program links theory to practice, helping you understand how STEM principles are implemented in daily appliances and objects. The previous cohort learned the fundamentals of robotics by building a rover.

5. You build a strong coding foundation

You will use CAD programming and gain experience in programming languages while designing and building functioning machines. 

6. You gain an advantage in high school and build your student profile

The coursework covered by the program will help you tackle the programming syllabus in high school by giving you a strong coding foundation. Additionally, attending summer programs lets you experience rigorous academic programs, which college admissions officers value highly. 

7. The program is relatively affordable

At $499, the Academy is more affordable than most paid summer programs, making quality education more accessible, especially if you live in the Houston area.

Cons

1. You have to make your arrangements to stay

While the program is open to all students, the absence of accommodation arrangements may dissuade many out-of-town candidates from applying, reducing program selectivity and diversity.

Our review 

We like the Computer Engineering Design Academy for its focus on the fundamentals of coding and CAD, which can benefit young learners in the long run. The program connects theory with practice by coding, designing, and 3D printing a functioning machine. The program is relatively affordable, you get to study under Rice University faculty, meet new students, and build your academic profile. The only drawback to the program is the lack of accommodation options, which could limit the number of students applying.

One more option - The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program

The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about.  Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.

The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure! 

To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Partnerships, Maya, at maya.novak-herzog@lumiere.education or go to our website.

Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines, you can refer to this page!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.