EMERGE

🌟 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! 

Today we're thrilled to celebrate Anh T., a recent graduate of Chavez High School who is heading to Pomona College to study philosophy and law. Anh said she's grateful for EMERGE's help navigating the college application process, adding, "it definitely wasn't easy, but I persevered thanks to my program manager and the resources made available to me." "EMERGE has helped so many students in need," Anh added. "We wouldn't be where we are now without their support. I hope many other students are able to access this type of help for their own aspirations and future!" We hope you've been inspired by all our EMERGE 2024 graduates and invite you to make a gift in their honor to support the next generation of high-achieving youth. Learn more and make a donation at: https://lnkd.in/gfz9gHxE

We're thrilled to celebrate Sebastian S., a recent graduate of East Early College High School who will be heading to Lehigh University in hopes of pursuing a career in the medical field. "EMERGE changed my life by showing me amazing opportunities that I would have never considered or known about," Sebastian said. "My family was really pushing me to go to college, but I didn’t know how. EMERGE showed me the way to college and to a prestigious university like Lehigh University. I will always be thankful for EMRGE and the work they did to help me and my friends." Join us in congratulating Sebastian and wishing him the best of luck in his college journey.

We're proud to celebrate Angie Oviedo, a recent graduate of Northeastern University who'll be working as a bilingual immigration paralegal while she prepares to apply for law school. "EMERGE gave me the confidence to apply to colleges that felt out of reach," Angie said. "I learned to aim higher, and, more importantly, I had a community to know I am not alone in my journey." Join with us in celebrating Angie's success and wishing her the best of luck in her law school applications.

We're proud to feature Sofia O., who graduated as valedictorian of Spring Early College Academy. Sofia plans to study biomedical engineering at her dream school, Brown University. "I am truly grateful for EMERGE," Sofia said. "From the summer college trip to the mentor program, EMERGE gave me amazing opportunities that I thought I would never have as a student with my background. They gave me the skills to fill out my application that got me admitted to my dream school. I have met so many amazing people through EMERGE and made so many memories thanks to this program." Join us in congratulating Sofia and wishing her all the best in her next four years at Brown!

We are proud to celebrate Derrick Ngo, a recent Harvard University graduate with a degree in economics and a minor in history. Derrick’s remarkable journey from overcoming personal challenges to achieving academic excellence at one of the world's leading universities is a true inspiration. As a high school senior, Derrick bravely shared his experiences in a poignant op-ed for the Houston Chronicle titled "Homeless to Harvard," where he detailed his path through adversity, the transformative support of EMERGE, and his determination to succeed against all odds. (https://lnkd.in/gd7ER6ws) Derrick credits EMERGE with inspiring him to grow, build community, and pursue every opportunity for personal and professional development. He is especially grateful to EMERGE board member Judy Le who has supported him every step of his journey to and through college. "I honestly wouldn’t be where I am without EMERGE," Derrick said recently. "EMERGE inspired me to grow and to build community. Years after I graduated high school, many of my close friends today I met through EMERGE ... So, I thank EMERGE for helping me grow into a person who consciously acquires opportunities, growth, and knowledge with the hopes of using it productively in this world." As Derrick steps into his new role in the Corporate Finance and Strategy Rotation Program at Comcast NBCUniversal, he brings with him a wealth of experience, a robust educational background, and a drive to make meaningful contributions to the finance industry. Please join us in applauding Derrick for his achievements and resilience, and for using his story to inspire others facing similar challenges.