Connecting Houston Scholars with the Nation’s Most Selective Colleges
On September 26 and 27, EMERGE hosted its annual Top Tier College Experience, a two-day, invite-only event that brought together more than 200 Houston high school juniors and seniors and admissions officers from 34 of the nation’s most selective colleges and universities.
The Top Tier College Experience opens doors for EMERGE students by providing access, confidence and connections that spark lifelong opportunity. The event featured two signature components: Roundtable Discussions for seniors on Friday evening and a College Fair for juniors on Saturday morning. Together, these experiences reflect how EMERGE partners with students, families and higher education institutions to build a stronger, more equitable future for Houston’s talent.
Roundtable Discussions: Personalized Pathways for Seniors
On Friday night, senior scholars joined admissions officers from across the country for intimate Roundtable Discussions where they shared their goals, asked questions and refined their college application strategies.
For many students, the experience made the selective college admissions process feel more personal and attainable.
“As a first-generation student, EMERGE has really opened up doors that I knew were there, but I just didn’t know how to open,” said Ariel, a senior at Westside High School. “Coming to Top Tier helps me see that behind every application is a real person who wants me to succeed.”
During the evening, EMERGE staff and college representatives also had time to connect professionally, strengthening partnerships that continue to expand opportunities for Houston students.
“When we send students from Houston to your campuses, we know there are dedicated teams ready to help them thrive through graduation,” said Gary Tashima, Managing Director of College Success and Partnerships at EMERGE. “Those relationships are the foundation of the EMERGE Village.”
Representatives from colleges including Notre Dame, Trinity and Grinnell echoed that message, describing EMERGE students as driven, curious and ready to lead.
“We want students here in Houston to know they have a community on our campus and that they belong,” said Leanne Francisco of the University of Notre Dame.
College Fair: Inspiring the Next Generation of Scholars
On Saturday morning, the excitement continued as juniors filled the Top Tier College Fair, meeting with more than 30 college representatives and discovering opportunities across the country.
For students, the event was both eye-opening and motivating.
“It’s an eye-opener to see that even though some schools are far away, they have programs that fit my goals,” said Ameria, an 11th grader from Sterling High School. “I’m learning I can belong anywhere.”
Jocelyn, also a Sterling High School junior, added: “As a lower-income student, we don’t often get to see all the different options we actually have. Top Tier helped me realize nothing is out of reach if I’m willing to go for it.”
Admissions representatives shared that connecting with EMERGE scholars face-to-face helps them see the promise of Houston’s talent firsthand.
“We love partnering with EMERGE because it gives us the chance to meet incredible students in their own community,” said Rosa Garcia Rios from the University of Southern California.
Juan Venancio, a 2019 EMERGE alum and recent Harvard graduate, returned to the fair as a representative for Harvard University.
“It’s amazing to come back as an alum and help students see what’s possible,” he said. “Opportunities like this build confidence, direction and networks that last.”
Spotlight on EMERGE College Partners
EMERGE is especially grateful to the official EMERGE College Partners who joined this year’s Top Tier College Experience: Babson College, Bentley University, Saint Mary’s College, Trinity College, University of Notre Dame, University of Richmond, Wabash College and Washington University in St. Louis.
“Our partnership with EMERGE is so important because scholars bring such diverse experiences and incredible talent to campus,” said Josh Garcia of Bentley University. “These conversations are a reminder of why we do this work.”
“One of the reasons we love partnering with EMERGE is to meet these incredible students,” added Sabrina Ramos of Babson College. “Not every student can travel to campus, so this event allows us to connect in person and put a face to the name when applications come in.”
These partnerships deepen EMERGE’s connection to selective institutions that not only open their doors to Houston students but also invest in their success once they arrive on campus.
Economic Mobility in Action
The Top Tier College Experience demonstrates EMERGE’s mission in motion by partnering with high-achieving students from low-income communities to unlock transformational college and career opportunities.
Each interaction between a student and an admissions officer represents a moment of possibility. These connections create futures where access to selective colleges leads to long-term economic mobility and leadership.
“I was hesitant about applying to schools like Harvard or Columbia,” said Brittany, an 11th grader at Northside High School. “But after meeting admissions officers face-to-face, I can see myself there. EMERGE made that possible.”
The EMERGE Village at Work
From students and alumni to staff and college partners, Top Tier embodies the EMERGE Village, a collective of people working together to prepare the next generation of leaders.
“When we come together like this,” Tashima said, “we’re not just preparing students for college. We’re preparing leaders who will strengthen and transform their communities.”
As EMERGE continues to expand partnerships with selective colleges and deepen its work in Houston schools, the Top Tier College Experience reaffirms the organization’s role as a vital talent pipeline for Houston and beyond.
