Digital Health Workforce Initiative (Rice University)

Summer program · Rice University Center for STEM Engagement (R-STEM)

Rice's Digital Health Workforce Initiative (DHWI) introduces current 9th and 10th graders to biomedical hardware technology and artificial intelligence in healthcare through a hands-on summer session at Rice, followed by six optional Saturday sessions and a Spring Innovator Showcase during the school year. You pick a software or hardware track; for 2026 the software track runs June 8-18 and the hardware track June 22-July 2, both on weekdays 9am-3pm. It's a paid opportunity — high school participants receive a stipend of up to $1,800 — and applicants must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident. Selection among eligible applicants, who submit a report card, teacher recommendation, and personal statement, happens by lottery.

Who can apply

GradesGrades 9–10

Min GPA—

ScopeNational

StatesAll states

FieldsBiomedical Engineering · Computer Science · Artificial Intelligence

EligibilityMust be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident

Logistics

Cost to youFree; stipend up to $1,800

Financial aidAvailable

StipendPaid

FormatCommuter

LengthAbout 2 weeks in June, plus optional fall/spring Saturday sessions

WhereRice University, Houston, TX

Applying

OpensOpens December 2026

DueNot yet posted (2026 cycle closed February 8)

You submitReport card, teacher recommendation letter, personal application statement; selected by lottery among eligible applicants

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