EMERGE empowers and prepares high-performing students from underserved communities to attend and graduate from selective colleges and universities across the nation. EMERGE is creating a pipeline of future leaders in every industry who aspire to change the world.
90+ EMERGE Seniors Accepted Early to Top-Choice Schools
Spring Woods High School Senior Alexia L. was accepted Early Decision to Occidental College. She got the news at the end of her campus tour with her family there to hear it.
We are proud to celebrate the 90+ EMERGE high school seniors who have been admitted early to their top-choice colleges and universities. These students have worked so hard and are so deserving of this great achievement. Students who apply Early Decision to a college or university make a binding commitment to attend if they are admitted. EMERGE encourages all of its students to apply early because acceptance rates can be up to four times higher during this first phase of admission than during the Regular Decision phase. EMERGE students are headed to some of the nation’s most elite institutions, including Northwestern, Duke, Yale, and Carnegie Mellon. We’re also exceptionally proud of our students who have earned early admission plus full scholarships through the Posse Scholars and QuestBridge Scholars programs, two highly competitive national scholarship opportunities.
EMERGE Receives Grant from Amazon
We are excited to share that EMERGE has received a $25,000 grant from Amazon and will partner with Amazon’s Underserved Populations team to ensure EMERGE students and their families are knowledgeable about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and its benefits. Through this program, SNAP participants can use their benefits to purchase eligible food items on AmazonFresh, Groceries on Amazon, and Prime Pantry without paying a membership fee. Food insecurity can be a serious challenge for college students who come from low-income backgrounds, a problem that has been worsened by COVID-19, supply chain issues, and inflation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has temporarily expanded qualifications for SNAP eligibility for the duration of the pandemic, allowing any college student who is eligible for state or federally financed work study or who has an Expected Family Contribution of 0 to apply for SNAP benefits.
EMERGE Launches Search for New Leader
EMERGE has been truly fortunate to have Executive Director Trisha Cornwell as its leader for the past seven years. Her love for and dedication to the mission and our students and alumni are extraordinary. As you may know, Trisha has announced that she will permanently relocate to Albany, New York to be closer to family. Under Trisha’s leadership, EMERGE has experienced transformative growth: from one school district serving 350 students per year to five school districts and 150 colleges and universities serving close to 3,000 students per year. Trisha is leaving EMERGE in a strong position, with an established, stable leadership team, a highly capable staff, and momentum to carry itself into the future. The search for EMERGE’s next leader (CEO) is underway with the support of Denise Smith Consulting and guidance from a Board Search Committee led by EMERGE Board Member Ann Kennedy. We expect to announce a new leader in the coming months to allow for a seamless transition. We are confident that we will find another amazing leader who will build on Trisha’s exemplary leadership and drive EMERGE’s growth and success to the next level.  
Students "Visit" 31 Schools Through Virtual Recruitment Sessions
One of the most important services EMERGE provides its high school students is exposure to a variety of selective colleges and universities from across the country. With the pandemic curtailing travel for students and admissions officers alike, we pivoted to a virtual college tour model that allowed us to continue providing this valuable experience. This fall, over 200 students across all five of our partner districts participated in virtual recruitment visits with 31 schools. Our most attended visits were with Rice, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Virginia. All three of these universities have signed formal partnerships with EMERGE promising to provide students with an affordable pathway to and through college, offer them comprehensive support while on campus and afford them opportunities to thrive post-graduation. We are currently mapping options for our summer college tours, another signature element of the EMERGE high school program. After holding these visits virtually the past two years, we are exploring ways to safely make out-of-state travel possible, as nothing can replace the experience of seeing a campus in person.
Build the Village Luncheon Features Keynote from Wellesley's President
EMERGE Build The Village Luncheon Co-Chairs Anne Chao and Mia Mends invite you to join us on April 19th for our annual luncheon! This signature event will be one to remember as we celebrate the important work of EMERGE and our amazing students while also hearing from a champion of equity and inclusion for all students, Dr. Paula Johnson, Wellesley College’s President.

Please note that the sponsorship print deadline to be listed in the invitation is Friday, February 18th! For sponsorship opportunities and more information, please visit www.emergefellowship.org/luncheon or email [email protected].
The luncheon will feature a keynote address by Wellesley College
President Dr. Paula A. Johnson.
'SQUADS' Help EMERGE Students Build Community on Campus
Research on college success shows it is critically important for students to feel a sense of belonging on campus. But developing that sense of belonging can be especially difficult for first-generation college students, students of color, and students from low-income communities. EMERGE is addressing this problem through a program called SQUADS, which connects first-year college students with each other as well as with upper-level students at their university who can serve as mentors and campus guides. The program begins the summer after high school graduation and continues throughout the year. For example, Trinity College SQUAD leader Michelle R. planned an outing for fellow EMERGE students in November to watch the movie Eternals, followed by pho to warm up from the cold Connecticut weather. Earlier in the fall, they went to an interactive museum, where they got to know each other and discussed their concerns about transitioning to college. Gatherings like this allow our students to build a strong network to start their college career, setting them up for academic and interpersonal success.
EMERGE students at Trinity College during their SQUAD outing for dinner and a movie in November.
EMERGE students at Carleton College gathered for ice cream and community building early in the fall semester.
EMERGE In The News