“While new explorations may bring fear of the unknown, I challenge you to dive deeper into community, problem solving, and critical thinking. Each of these places holds a special gem for you to collect. Come along, cadets — it’s going to be a fun adventure!” – DeVonta Lee, Boston Trip Lead and Program Manager of College Access 

A Transformative Summer of College Discovery 

In June 2025, nearly 400 rising high school seniors from across Houston participated in EMERGE’s Summer Trip Experience (STE), an annual nationwide college tours program designed to expand college access and inspire confidence through immersive campus visits. This year’s theme, Galactic Getaway, encouraged students to embrace curiosity, explore new environments, and connect their academic goals to real-world possibilities. 

Over the course of six college trips to four regions — Boston, Connecticut, Philadelphia, and Texas — students experienced a broad range of selective institutions, including Ivy League universities, liberal arts colleges, research, women’s, and underapplied colleges. These trips were more than just tours; they offered hands-on workshops, student panels, cultural outings, and time to reflect and connect with peers and mentors. 

“We’ve seen firsthand how these college trips transform student outlooks,” said Tarah Burris, Vice President of Programs. “Exposure matters. When students walk the grounds of places like Yale or Bryn Mawr — or even their state flagship — they begin to see those places as attainable, not just aspirational.” 

Access for Every Scholar 

While most STE groups traveled out of state for five days, EMERGE also reintroduced a two-day Texas regional trip this year in response to student and family preferences for in-state options. Visiting Trinity University, Rice University, and the University of Texas at Austin, the Texas trip ensured that scholars who weren’t yet comfortable with long-distance travel could still benefit from this life-changing experience. 

“Each year, we ask students to step outside their comfort zones — and we must meet them where they are, too,” said Lisa Banyem, Manager of Access Initiatives. “Bringing back the Texas trip allowed us to expand access while still providing a rich and inspiring experience.” 

From First Flights to Future Paths 

For many scholars, this was their first time leaving Texas. Staying in college dorms, eating in dining halls, and experiencing campus life helped students picture themselves thriving in new environments. Whether walking the Freedom Trail in Boston, having lunch in a Yale courtyard, or talking with professors at Haverford, these moments made college feel real — and reachable. 

Students explored campuses such as Harvard, MIT, and Brandeis in Boston; Yale, Vassar, and Wesleyan in Connecticut; and the University of Pennsylvania, Bryn Mawr, and Swarthmore in the Philadelphia area. Each trip was anchored by a host campus where students lived during their stay, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the college experience. 

At EMERGE, we’ve found that students who take part in a college trip are more likely to pursue out-of-state colleges — showing how powerful exposure and access can be. 

A Mission That Matters 

EMERGE covers the full cost of each trip — travel, lodging, meals, and programming — making it possible for every eligible student to participate. With an average cost of $1,500 per student, these experiences represent a significant investment in educational opportunities and long-term impact. 

This summer, our scholars didn’t just visit colleges — they saw themselves there. And that’s the kind of launch we’ll always be proud to support. 

Colleges Visited on the 2025 Summer Trip Experience

Over the course of six trips, EMERGE Scholars explored campuses across four regions. Below are the colleges and universities visited, with each trip’s host campus included: Boston: 

• Babson College, Boston University, Harvard University, Stonehill College (host campus), Tufts University, Wellesley College
• Amherst College, Brandeis University (host campus), Boston College, College of the Holy Cross, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Smith College

Connecticut:

• Connecticut College, Mount Holyoke College, Trinity College, Vassar College, Wesleyan University (host campus), Yale University

Philadelphia:

• Bryn Mawr College, Dickinson College, Franklin & Marshall College, Haverford College (host campus), University of Pennsylvania
• Bryn Mawr College (host campus), Lafayette College, Lehigh University, Swarthmore College, University of Pennsylvania;

Texas: 

• Rice University, Trinity University, University of Texas at Austin (overnight stay: Austin hotel)