FAQ

EMERGE is a nonprofit organization based in Houston, TX that aims to empower high-achieving students from low-income communities to attend and graduate from the nation’s best colleges and universities.

Not currently, but as part of EMERGE’s strategic growth plan, there are plans to expand beyond city limits within the next several years.

We currently have over 1,500 High School Scholars and over 1,700 College Scholars.

EMERGE is NOT a scholarship organization. However, through our 1:1 college advising, we help students find and apply to various scholarships. Additionally, we advise all students to apply to schools that give generous financial aid packages and help students to make the most informed decision.

EMERGE is a completely free program.

EMERGE students are selected based on their sophomore GPA and class rank, their demonstrated leadership in their schools and communities, their willingness to commit to EMERGE and to consider attending an out-of-state college or university and their family income. We use the sliding scale income guidelines associated with qualifying for free or reduced-price school lunches.

EMERGE is the only nonprofit in Houston with the unique mission to connect high-achieving students from low-income communities with top-tier colleges and universities. The research is clear: students like ours graduate at higher rates, earn higher incomes, and are more likely to pursue a graduate degree when they attend top-tier colleges and universities. And that’s not all. Did you know that nearly half of corporate and government leaders graduated from the same 12 top-tier colleges and universities?

We also prioritize top-tier colleges and universities because their large endowments often allow them to offer generous scholarships and grants. In fact, most students in our program who are accepted to schools like Stanford, Rice and Washington University in St. Louis receive scholarships and grants that cover 100% of the cost of attendance.

EMERGE students attend 150+ colleges and universities nationwide, including all eight Ivy League institutions, 17 of U.S. News and World Reports’ top 20 national universities, and 18 of the magazine’s top 20 liberal arts colleges.

Research shows only 10% of first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds will graduate, meaning EMERGE students graduate at 8 times the national average for their demographic. While we work hard to address financial and personal complications as they arise, some simply aren’t immediately surmountable. That’s why we have hired a transfer and re-enrollment specialist who will provide one-on-one support to students to make sure they can complete their degree when they are ready.