Houston Environmental Action Learning
(HEAL) Program

About HEAL

The HEAL program engages both students and teachers in environmental participatory action research, raising awareness of environmental challenges and issues, while empowering them to inform their communities about health risks and mitigation strategies. Through STEMM skills training and clear college pathways, the program builds student resilience while equipping high school science teachers with professional development in project-based learning and participatory research. By fostering civic responsibility and environmental stewardship, HEAL enhances both scientific knowledge and community capacity. To learn more about the HEAL Program click here.

Explore the C.A.R.E. (Climate Action and Resilience Education) Program for current opportunities in climate and environmental education for students and educators.

^{*Program times, dates, locations, and compensation subject to change before the first day of the program.
**Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident to apply.}

HEAL Student Residential Summer Program

HEAL empowers 8th-10th grade students in Houston and surrounding areas to tackle environmental and climate challenges and issues through hands-on research, mentorship, and creative problem-solving. This free program combines a one-week summer residential experience at Rice University, participatory action research, and year-round follow-up sessions to foster leadership, scientific inquiry, and community impact.

Program Highlights

• Free 1-week summer residential program at Rice University with dormitory stays, meals, and hands-on learning.
• Engage in environmental and climate projects that combine science, and policy.
• Participate in workshops, fieldwork, and expert-led sessions addressing real-world challenges in land development, water quality, and climate change.
• Create individual research projects with mentorship from Rice faculty and students.
• Meet and collaborate with like-minded peers, community leaders, and field experts.

Program Benefits

• Experience life on a college campus with access to dorms, dining, and university resources.
• Build skills in data collection, analysis, and participatory action research to address environmental justice issues.
• Learn actionable steps for tackling environmental and health challenges in Houston communities.
• Develop leadership and communication skills by presenting research findings to diverse audiences.
• Join a supportive network of mentors, educators, and peers dedicated to environmental advocacy.

To learn more about the HEAL Program click here.

HEAL Teacher Professional Development Program

The HEAL program provides environmental science teachers with professional development to effectively guide students in addressing environmental and climate challenges. Teachers participate in project-based learning (PBL) pedagogy and action research training to create impactful, student-driven classroom experiences.

Program Highlights

• Annual participation for 12 environmental science teachers in professional development workshops.
• Training in project-based learning (PBL) pedagogy and participatory action research.
• Resources and tools to facilitate data collection, analysis, and actionable projects in classrooms.
• Opportunities to support students in developing and presenting solutions to local environmental challenges.
• Focused training on addressing environmental issues within Houston communities.

Program Benefits

• Gain a deeper understanding of environmental and climate topics relevant to Houston.
• Learn strategies to design and implement collaborative, creative projects in the classroom.
• Enhance your ability to guide students in data-driven research and presenting actionable solutions.
• Access resources to inspire student interest in STEMM fields through hands-on learning.
• Build capacity as an educator while fostering leadership and advocacy in your students.

To learn more about the HEAL Program click here.

Program Flyers

To learn more about the HEAL Program click here.

HEAL Program Administration

If you have any questions about HEAL, you can contact the program lead.

Weston Twardowski, Ph.D - Primary Contact
Center for Environmental Studies and the Rice Sustainability Institute’s EcoStudio, Associate Director
713-348-4081| westont@rice.edu

Mariana Quinn, M.S
R-STEM, Associate Director for Science Education
713-348-8266 | mq10@rice.edu

^{*Program times, dates, locations, and compensation subject to change before the first day of the program.
**Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident to apply.}

^{This program is contingent upon funding.}