Welcome to the Tapia Center

The Tapia Center is designed to empower motivated, academically successful, underrepresented students, who are passionate about their education. The programs open Rice University and higher educational experiences to emerging scholars deserving of academic opportunity.


Who is Dr. Richard Tapia?

For the past four decades, Professor Richard Tapia, a Rice University Professor, the Maxfield-Oshman Professor in Engineering, and a 2011 recipient of the National Medal of Science, has led Rice’s efforts to prepare underrepresented groups for success in STEM fields. Under his leadership, Rice has significantly increased the number of minority students and women receiving doctorates in STEM subjects, and Tapia has spoken to almost a quarter-million students and professionals about underrepresentation and diversity around the United States. In addition, the center has provided training and guidance to over 6,000 college students and 2,500 K-12 teachers since its inception. All students should have opportunities to achieve their dreams, and the Tapia Center for Excellence and Equity in Education was established to do so. Read more about Dr. Tapia

Impact of the Tapia Center

Support the Mission of the Tapia Center

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Help Underrepresented Groups in STEM

Assist the Tapia Center in providing opportunities for students and educators to participate in transformative programs that inspire them to pursue their passions. Support students, educators, and the Tapia Center.

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