Tapia Center

We were proud to witness the recent unveiling of the Dr. Richard A. Tapia Bridge in Harris County!

People from the county, Rice University, and other friends came out to celebrate the naming of the bridge in memory of Dr. Tapia and his many accomplishments and contributions to the world of STEM and STEM education.

"Just like the bridge, he was transcendent," said Robert Treviño, Executive Director of the Harris County Toll Road Authority. "He knew no limits and made sure his extraordinary level of excellence for generations. That's what luminaries do. They shine brightly and inspire us all to be better and do better."

Read the article: https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/houston-bridge-tapia-ship-channel/285-375bea22-c3bc-4aff-9042-87d28c3262ff

It is with deep sadness that we share news of the passing of Dr. Richard A. Tapia — Rice University Professor, pioneering mathematician, National Medal of Science recipient, and the heart behind the Tapia Center.

For over 50 years, Dr. Tapia dedicated his life to opening doors in STEM for students who needed a champion. He founded our Center, and his legacy will live on in every student we serve.

Please be advised that all Tapia Center programming will proceed as planned.

Read now:

Richard Tapia, pioneering mathematician and advocate for diversity, passes away at 88 Richard A. Tapia, a distinguished professor at Rice and a trailblazing mathematician renowned for his dedication to increasing the participation of underrepresented minorities in science and engineering, has passed away at age 88.

Eating in a college dining hall is a highlight for many of our campers! It’s a great time to refuel, hang out with new friends, and experience the independence of campus life.

✔️ All-you-can-eat Meals: Go back as many times as you’d like!

✔️Inclusive Options: Multiple cuisines and dedicated choices for most dietary needs and preferences.

✔️College Vibes: Dine like a student at Rice University.

Math is for all! 🚀🌎 We recently wrapped up a fun Professional Development session at San Jacinto College. Our team spent the day working with professors to break down barriers in math instruction and create more inclusive classrooms.

A huge thank you to the educators who joined us — your dedication to your students is what makes the difference!

Parents, is your camper ready for their residential experience at Rice University? From packing tips to the importance of self-advocacy, we are sharing practical advice to help your child (and you!) prepare for a successful week at Tapia Camps.

Help your student arrive with confidence (and everything they need in their suitcase).

Read our latest blog to learn more: https://tapiacenter.rice.edu/news/so-your-child-going-tapia-camps

We are only two months away from kicking off the first session of Tapia Camps 2026! Have you started your packing list yet? 🤔

Whether you’re double-checking your tech or making sure you have your favorite lucky hoodie, now is the time to start prepping for an unforgettable week of STEM, new friends, and life on a college campus. We can't wait to see you all soon!

👇 Tell us in the comments what is one thing you definitely aren't leaving home without?

We are officially gearing up for the Tapia STEM Camp at Southern University and A&M College - Baton Rouge, LA!

Our team recently wrapped up a hands-on training workshop with local educators in Baton Rouge. These teachers are now ready to lead students through an immersive curriculum where they will learn about heat transfer, , steganography, and more.

We can’t wait to see this collaboration in action with a new group of future leaders this summer!

The Tapia Center loves the Rio Grande Valley! In January of this year, our team delivered a free professional development session for K-12 educators.

In June, we are thrilled to partner with RGV for a special remote camp program to bring hands-on learning, with a focus on math skills, to 40 to 60 middle and high school students.

We look forward to many more years of partnership with schools in the Valley and we are excited to see them experience the Tapia STEM camp curriculum.

Scan the QR code to sign up!

The Tapia Center loves the Rio Grande Valley! In January of this year, our team delivered a free professional development session for K-12 educators.

In June, we are thrilled to partner with RGV for a special remote camp program to bring hands-on learning, with a focus on math skills, to 40 to 60 middle and high school students.

We look forward to many more years of partnership with schools in the Valley and we are excited to see them experience the Tapia STEM camp curriculum.

Learn more and sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmmFmcm4-6-LMz7uyP4on1dj25vORr1ChxzlRL2ZSR1oGHrw/viewform

Tapia Center staff recently joined educators in Mississippi for a STEM curriculum training workshop in preparation for this summer’s Energy and Algorithms Camp at Jackson State University!

Building on the success of our first two years at JSU, we are excited to welcome a new group of students to the program in 2026. During their stay, campers will explore topics and participate in hands-on activities like heat transfer, carbon capture and storage, stegonography, fake videos and more.

Stay tuned for updates as we kick things off later this summer at JSU!

Thursday nights at Tapia Camps are for the stage! Talent Show Thursdays are a camp favorite for a reason, and our staff is officially counting down.

From magic shows and dad jokes to group dances and even acts dedicated to monkey facts, we have seen it all. Whatever your unique talent is, we can’t wait for you to bring it to the stage this summer! 🎤✨