While many college students spend winter break resting and resetting, EMERGE college scholars returned to Houston to invest in something just as important: their future.
On Friday, Jan. 9, EMERGE hosted its 2026 Winter Scholar Summit in partnership with CareerSpring, bringing together more than 100 college scholars, alumni, staff, and Houston-area professionals for a full day of career preparation, networking, and community building. With support from our presenting sponsor Phillips 66, the summit reflected a shared commitment to expanding access and opportunity for first-generation and low-income students.
Starting the Day with Practical Tools
Before the formal programming began, college scholars participated in morning resume review sessions, receiving one-on-one feedback from EMERGE staff and CareerSpring professionals. This early session allowed scholars to refine their resumes, ask targeted questions, and walk into the summit feeling prepared and confident.
Resume development is an ongoing focus at EMERGE, and scholars continue to receive guidance and support beyond the Winter Scholar Summit as they prepare for internships and early career opportunities.
A Day Focused on Career Readiness and Connection
The Winter Scholar Summit is designed specifically for first-generation and low-income college students navigating internships, early career opportunities, and life after graduation.
Throughout the day, college scholars engaged in:
- CareerSpring-led workshops on navigating job applications and interviews
- Rotating career roundtables with professionals across industries, including energy, technology, law, health care, education, and nonprofit leadership
- A networking lunch that allowed scholars to practice professional conversations and build meaningful connections in real time
For many students, this type of access and exposure is transformative.
“I remember Googling things like, ‘What is an internship? How do I get one?’” said EMERGE CEO Ashley Cash during her remarks. “The relationships and networks you build are what set you up for that first job and the career that follows.”
CareerSpring: Expanding Access to Social Capital
CareerSpring played a central role in the summit, introducing college scholars to their platform built to expand access to professional networks and provide a library of preparation resources.
CareerSpring representatives walked scholars through tools for resume and interview preparation, advisor connections, and internship exploration. Interactive activities helped scholars learn how to navigate the platform while also building community with one another.
“Social capital is one of the biggest drivers of economic mobility,” said Gabriela Perez, program coordinator at CareerSpring and EMERGE alumna. “We are here to make sure first-generation and low-income students have access to networks and resources they might not otherwise have, and to remind them they are not navigating this journey alone.”
Scholar Voices: Confidence, Clarity, and Community
For many college scholars, the summit offered clarity, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
“It’s a reminder that EMERGE is still here to support me, even during college,” said Neki Yazdi, an economics major at the University of Pennsylvania. “These connections are going to help me in the long run.”
Kaylan Espinosa, a biochemistry major at Gettysburg College, attended the summit to expand her network and learn from professionals across fields. “There is a wealth of knowledge and people here today,” she said. “I’m really grateful EMERGE created a space like this.”
For Katherine Garcia, a business management major at Babson College, the summit was a first-time experience that reinforced her sense of community. “I’ve strengthened my connections and learned so much from students and professionals who understand what it means to be first-generation,” she said.
Across conversations, college scholars consistently emphasized the importance of showing up and taking advantage of opportunities that build confidence and open doors.
Alumni and Professionals Giving Back
A defining feature of the Winter Scholar Summit is the presence of professionals who reflect the communities EMERGE serves, including alumni who once sat in the same seats as today’s college scholars.
“It’s impactful for scholars to see people who look like them and come from similar backgrounds saying, ‘This is where you could be in a few years,’” said Manny Salas, an EMERGE alum, co-president of the alumni board, and a returning professional participant who has volunteered at the summit multiple years.
Industry professionals shared personal career journeys, offered advice on networking and early career decision-making, and reinforced the importance of showing up, asking questions, and staying curious.
Powered by Community Support
The 2026 Winter Scholar Summit was made possible through the support of Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips, whose sponsorship reflects a shared commitment to workforce readiness and economic mobility.
“We sponsor organizations like EMERGE because we believe in preparing students for the workforce and giving them access to resources that can shape their entire lives,” said Teresa Lopez, social impact advisor at Phillips 66. “The professionalism, authenticity, and aspirations of these students are incredibly inspiring.”
More Than a One-Day Experience
While the Winter Scholar Summit takes place in a single day, its impact extends far beyond winter break.
College scholars leave with clearer next steps, expanded networks, and renewed confidence, knowing they have a village supporting them as they pursue internships, graduate school, and careers.
For many, the summit serves as a reminder that EMERGE continues to show up, not just during high school, but throughout the college journey and beyond.
Related Resource
How to Build a Strong Resume as a College Student
A step-by-step EMERGE guide to strengthening resumes and clearly communicating skills, experience, and impact.