EMERGE

🌟 Thank You, Bank of America! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce that EMERGE has received a generous grant from Bank of America, which will significantly propel our mission to provide top-tier college access opportunities to underserved students in Houston. A special thank you to Hong Ogle, President of Bank of America Houston, and Rick Jaramillo, Market Executive, for their dedication and support in making this happen. Your commitment to community growth and educational equity does not go unnoticed. With this support, we are set to expand our initiatives and continue making a meaningful impact. Thank you, Bank of America, for being a crucial part of our journey toward educational excellence.

We are thrilled to announce that EMERGE has been invited to speak at the upcoming Guiding the Way to Inclusion conference presented by the National Association for College Admission Counseling.  This annual gathering offers educational sessions regarding multicultural recruitment and campus inclusion and advocacy while also providing a shared space for like-minded professionals to reflect on current issues and share best practices related to equity in higher education. Cierra Duckworth, M.S. and Bobbye Hampton, M.Ed will be presenting a session titled "Myth-Busting Selective College Advising: Key Philosophies and Techniques to Support Black and Latinx Students Interested in Selective Colleges and Universities." We're excited to participate in this important conversation and to share the best practices we've developed in selective college advising for students from underserved backgrounds.

We’re continuing our series on the EMERGE Summer Trip Experience with a spotlight on our Philadelphia journey! On this trip, a dedicated group of scholars explored the rich academic environments of Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. Over the course of five days, they visited top institutions including Haverford College, Lehigh University, University of Pennsylvania, Bryn Mawr College, Franklin & Marshall College, and Swarthmore College. Each college visit was an opportunity for our students to engage directly with campus life, meet faculty and current students, and participate in workshops that enhanced their understanding of what these prestigious schools have to offer. From the historic grounds of Penn to the close-knit community at Bryn Mawr, each experience was designed to help our scholars envision their future in these diverse educational settings. Philadelphia's colleges impressed upon our students the variety of opportunities available, helping them to refine their preferences and prepare for the selective college application process. Follow us to hear more about how these trips are shaping the futures of our EMERGE scholars!

We're continuing our EMERGE Summer Trip Experience feature, focusing next on Connecticut! A dedicated group of 70+ scholars spent five days at prestigious institutions like Yale University, Connecticut College, Trinity College-Hartford, Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, and Wesleyan University. Each day's activities—from campus tours to sessions with admissions counselors—were designed to deepen our scholars' understanding of each college's unique offerings. This trip helps align students' aspirations with their ideal academic paths, showcasing EMERGE's commitment to informed higher education choices. Stay tuned for more highlights from our transformative summer tours!

🎓 **Kicking Off EMERGE's Summer College Tours in New England!** 🎓 Each summer, EMERGE takes over 400 high school seniors on transformative college trips to top universities across six U.S. regions. These trips are more than tours; they’re life-changing experiences that expand horizons, allowing students to visit campuses, interact with college students from similar backgrounds, and connect with fellow EMERGE peers. This exposure builds confidence and encourages students to aspire to top colleges that offer unique learning opportunities aligned with their ambitions. The 70+ students who participated in our New England tour visited premier institutions like Bowdoin College, Brandeis University, Colby College, Bates College, Northeastern University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Stay tuned as we continue to explore top campuses across the country!

🌟 We're Hiring at EMERGE! 🌟 Join our dynamic team dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for high-achieving students from underserved communities. We have two key leadership roles open: 1. **Senior Director of College Access Initiatives** Lead our efforts to enhance college access and success, manage significant partnerships, and drive strategic initiatives. This role is ideal for visionary leaders looking to shape the future of education. Apply Here: https://lnkd.in/gSmvU7Th 2. **Director of District Strategy** Oversee the implementation of our high school program, ensuring alignment with our educational goals. This position requires a strategic thinker with a strong ability to manage teams and build district-level relationships. Apply Here: https://lnkd.in/gqZTVzP9 Are you ready to lead and inspire? Explore these opportunities to make a lasting impact in education! 

At EMERGE, we believe in the transformative power of education. An insightful op-ed by economists with The Brookings Institution and The Aspen Institute that was recently published in The Chronicle of Higher Education reaffirms that a college degree is a crucial gateway to higher earnings, job security, and a fulfilling life. The op-ed reveals that graduates not only earn more on average but also experience longer, healthier lives, and are better equipped to contribute to society through increased civic participation. Yet, challenges remain, especially concerning the affordability and accessibility of college for students from low-income backgrounds. EMERGE is dedicated to breaking down these barriers, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential through education. Join us in supporting the next generation of leaders. Because when education thrives, communities prosper. Read the op-ed at: https://lnkd.in/gddQJVat

We are proud to announce the establishment of the inaugural EMERGE Alumni Association Board. This board will contribute significantly to our mission through strategic fundraising, active volunteerism, and widespread community awareness initiatives. Their diverse experiences and unwavering dedication to our cause are vital as they prepare to build a solid foundation for the Alumni Association. Significantly, the President of the Alumni Board will also serve on the EMERGE Board of Directors, bringing valuable alumni insights to shape our organization's future strategies. Please join us in welcoming our new Alumni Board members and in anticipating the positive changes their leadership will bring. 

Love to see this update on EMERGE alum Leslie Quijada, a 2020 graduate of Milby High School in Houston ISD and a 2024 graduate of Union College.

🌟 Mentor Spotlight: Kourtney James 🌟 We're proud to highlight Kourtney James, JD, a founding board member of EMERGE and a distinguished expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion. With over 15 years in professional development, talent management, and recruitment strategies, Kourtney has made substantial contributions to educational access and workplace diversity. This year, Kourtney mentored Munachi M., a recent graduate of Sharpstown International School who will be attending Rice University in the fall. Her guidance through the college application process has been invaluable. Kourtney’s commitment to mentorship and creating inclusive environments is exemplary. Thank you, Kourtney, for your tireless dedication and impact!