You came to Rice because you want to make an impact. To invest in your own potential. To put your ambition to work, so that you can boldly tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
The Doerr Institute offers leader development programs to all Rice students that expand upon your diverse qualities and increase your capacity to make a difference in the world.
Our free leader development programs are available to all Rice undergraduate and graduate students.
Activation
Work one-on-one with a professional coach, take an emotional intelligence assessment, and design a plan that helps you grow as a leader at Rice and beyond.
Activation is an excellent place to start your Doerr Institute journey.
Catalyst
Learn crucial skills you can actually use—like giving feedback, managing your response to conflict, influencing others, and more. Join other Rice students in interactive workshops led by experts who make it practical and fun.
Check out a workshop
Synthesis
Synthesis is a small-group coaching experience where you'll work alongside a professional leadership coach and a group of fellow Rice students who are invested in your success.
Over five 90-minute sessions, you'll identify one leadership goal, create a plan to achieve it, and receive encouragement, accountability, and fresh perspectives every step of the way.
Leadership Cohorts
Ready for a deeper dive? Cohorts give you a full year of leader development with the same group of peers and coaches. You’ll build strong relationships, try out multiple Doerr Institute programs, and grow consistently over time.
Apply for a cohort
Excursions
Step outside the hedges and see leadership in action. On a Doerr Excursion, you’ll meet Houston leaders in their own spaces, hear their real stories of success (and setbacks), and learn what it takes to lead in the real world.
Ambassadors
Want to represent the Doerr Institute and be part of a community of student leaders on campus? Ambassadors get insider access to special programs, exclusive networking, and the chance to shape leadership at Rice.
Practical tools to help you grow and lead with confidence.
Not sure where to start with Doerr programs?
The Match Survey is a quick and easy tool that uses your responses to recommend the programs that best fit your goals, schedule, and current stage of leader development.
Whether you’re looking for coaching, workshops, or team opportunities, the survey helps point you in the right direction so you can make the most of what the Doerr Institute offers.
Your leadership journey doesn’t just make a difference on campus—it can give you a competitive edge beyond Rice. The Doerr Institute provides recommended resume language so you can accurately highlight your leadership training and experiences on applications, resumes, and professional platforms.
This helps you showcase your growth in leadership competencies and gives employers clear evidence of your dedication to becoming a stronger, more effective leader.
Leadership growth doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a journey that requires reflection and intention. The Doerr Institute’s Leadership Log is designed to help you track your progress, notice patterns, and plan actionable next steps in your development.
By using the Log regularly, you’ll gain clarity on your strengths, spot opportunities for growth, and create a record of your leadership journey that you can carry with you into future roles.
“My experience shedding perfectionism and embracing a growth mindset underscores the Institute's commitment to empowering individuals to lead authentically and inspire others to reach their full potential.”
“The Doerr Institute is an opportunity to grow in a way that you aren't challenged to do as a normal undergraduate. You are pursued and challenged in a way you haven't experienced before. You are empowered, encouraged, and given the opportunity to be a leader and the person you were meant to be.”
“Before my time at Doerr, I thrived in explicit leadership roles but did not understand how to recognize and navigate the implicit leadership roles all around. Doerr helped me find and excel in these new opportunities through the training I’ve received.”
“Through my journey with the Doerr Institute, I've discovered its mission is about unlocking personal potential and honing leadership skills. It's helped me embrace my strengths, overcome weaknesses, and assert my opinions and perspective confidently. The coach's support in conflict resolution and boundary-setting has been invaluable. Now, I see leadership is about empathy, strategic thinking, and empowering others. It's transformed my perspective on self-worth and the importance of voicing my opinions boldly.”
