What We Do
Our unique model combines top college advising with high-impact programming to increase the number of high-achieving students from low-income communities who attend and graduate from the nation’s top colleges.
OuR Model
EMERGE partners with local school districts to provide best-in-class college advising, nationwide college campus tours, and comprehensive support systems to top students from low-income communities so they can thrive at the nation’s best colleges, graduating on time and with minimal debt.
We continue to support students through their transition to college and all the way to graduation, ensuring they successfully navigate both academic and personal challenges throughout their collegiate journey. We develop formal partnerships with colleges and universities committed to increasing financial aid packages and enhancing on-campus support services available to first-generation students from low-income communities.
To
Supporting Transition
to College
THROUGH
Building Community
& Belonging
THRIVE
Empowering
to Excel
EMERGE
Graduating On Time and with Minimal Debt
Our Approach
Intensive College Counseling
- 60:1 student-to-counselor ratio for personalized college advising
- Guidance and support on course selection, extracurricular activities, and enrollment in summer enrichment opportunities
- SAT preparation courses and support
- Financial aid workshops and intensive writing support for personal essays
Exposure to Top Colleges
- Nationwide college tours for high school juniors that foster a college-oriented mindset and boost confidence in applying to out-of-state schools
- In-person and virtual college fairs and information sessions with university admissions counselors
- Detailed database of top colleges that typically offer generous financial aid, illustrating the unique opportunities and academic environments at these institutions
Enrollment Support
- Guidance and assistance with financial aid navigation, decision-making, and enrollment paperwork to help students maximize financial resources, make informed decisions, and complete the enrollment process efficiently
- Summer bridge programming that incorporates financial literacy and socio-emotional support to prepare students for the academic, financial, and social aspects of college life
- Community building through SQUADS, which connects EMERGE students with peers attending the same school for support and mentorship
Guidance for On-time Graduation
- Guidance and incentives to encourage students to connect with on-campus support champions such as academic advisors, deans, and offices that support first-generation or multicultural students
- Assistance proactively addressing minor issues to prevent them from becoming major obstacles to students’ educational progress
- Personalized counseling for students facing significant financial, academic, or personal challenges
INTENSIVE COLLEGE COUNSELING
- 60:1 student-to-counselor ratio for personalized college advising
- Guidance and support on course selection, extracurricular activities, and enrollment in summer enrichment opportunities
- SAT preparation courses and support
- Financial aid workshops and intensive writing support for personal essays
EXPOSURE TO TOP COLLEGES
- Nationwide college tours for high school juniors that foster a college-oriented mindset and boost confidence in applying to out-of-state schools
- In-person and virtual college fairs and information sessions with university admissions counselors
- Detailed database of top colleges that typically offer generous financial aid, illustrating the unique opportunities and academic environments at these institutions
ENROLLMENT SUPPORT
- Guidance and assistance with financial aid navigation, decision-making, and enrollment paperwork to help students maximize financial resources, make informed decisions, and complete the enrollment process efficiently
- Summer bridge programming that incorporates financial literacy and socio-emotional support to prepare students for the academic, financial, and social aspects of college life
- Community building through SQUADS, which connects EMERGE students with peers attending the same school for support and mentorship
GUIDANCE FOR ON-TIME GRADUATION
- Guidance and incentives to encourage students to connect with on-campus support champions such as academic advisors, deans, and offices that support first-generation or multicultural students
- Assistance proactively addressing minor issues to prevent them from becoming major obstacles to students’ educational progress
- Personalized counseling for students facing significant financial, academic, or personal challenges
College Tours
Each summer, EMERGE takes over 400 high school seniors on transformative college trips to top universities across five U.S. regions. These trips are more than tours; they’re life-changing experiences that expand horizons, allowing students to visit campuses, interact with college students from similar backgrounds, and connect with fellow EMERGE peers. This exposure builds confidence and encourages students to aspire to top colleges that offer unique learning opportunities aligned with their ambitions.
Community & Comprehensive Support
EMERGE provides comprehensive support to help each of its high school seniors become one of the nation’s most competitive college applicants. Beyond intensive one-on-one college counseling and biweekly group sessions, we offer extensive help writing personal essays, preparing for the SAT, and selecting enriching summer learning opportunities. Additionally, our annual mentor program pairs more than 75 high school seniors with Houston business leaders to help the students develop their networking skills and build the social capital they’ll need to thrive in their careers.
AFTER-SCHOOL SESSIONS
Title
Nationwide College Tours
College Application Support
One-On-One Advising
SAT Preparations
Financial Aid Application Support