40 EMERGE Scholars Named QuestBridge Finalists | | |
We’re proud to celebrate 40 EMERGE Scholars who have been named 2025 QuestBridge National College Match Finalists!
This national recognition honors students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and resilience. As Finalists, they now have the opportunity to be matched with some of the nation’s top colleges and universities through full four-year scholarships provided by QuestBridge partner institutions.
We’ll learn in December which of our students are selected as Match Scholarship Recipients and where their next chapter will begin!
| | From Orientation to Open House: EMERGE Scholars Begin the Year Strong | | |
August marked the start of a new academic journey for EMERGE scholars across Houston. At New Student Orientation, the Class of 2027 explored their “Why,” met their Program Managers, and learned how EMERGE prepares them to succeed at selective colleges.
Just days later, the Class of 2026 gathered for Senior Open House, where students and families aligned on early-application strategies, financial-aid timelines, and expectations for the final year.
| | EMERGE Scholars Connect with 34 Selective Colleges at the 2025 Top Tier College Experience | | |
On September 26 and 27, more than 200 EMERGE juniors and seniors connected with admissions officers from 34 of the nation’s most selective colleges and universities during the annual Top Tier College Experience, a two-day, invite-only event, that builds pathways to college access and opportunity.
Friday’s Roundtable Discussions gave seniors the chance to share their goals and refine their college application strategies in small-group conversations with college representatives. On Saturday, the College Fair inspired juniors to explore new options and see themselves thriving on selective campuses.
| | EMERGE Families Take the Next Step at Financial Aid Workshop | | In October, EMERGE students and their families joined our Program Team for a hands-on Financial Aid Workshop focused on completing the CSS Profile, a crucial step in unlocking college financial aid. With laptops open and guidance from EMERGE staff, families worked together to navigate the process and move one step closer to making college dreams a reality. | | Building Connections, Creating Impact: 2025 EMERGE Mentorship Program Orientation | | Earlier this fall, EMERGE kicked off the 2025–2026 Mentorship Program with an engaging orientation that brought together more than 50 mentor–mentee pairings. The event marked the beginning of a yearlong journey where Houston-area professionals will guide EMERGE seniors through their final year of high school, offering encouragement, exposure, and new opportunities along the way. | | Mentorship Meets Halloween Magic | | |
Our mentors and mentees came together for a fun and festive evening at the EMERGE Mentorship Program Halloween Party, co-hosted by EMERGE mentor Barbara Goldfield, who has opened her home for the event for four years, and EMERGE mentor and Board Member David Bell and his wife, Judy Bell.
Now a beloved annual tradition, this gathering helps mentors and mentees strengthen relationships, build community, and celebrate the spirit of EMERGE together.
| | EMERGE Team Recognized at United Way of Greater Houston Community Showcase | |
In October, EMERGE’s Strategy & Evaluation team, led by Sarah Swain, Managing Director of Program Strategy & Evaluation, and Kristen Deppe, Director of Data & Evaluation, participated in United Way of Greater Houston’s Coffee & Quality Community Showcase.
The event celebrated local nonprofits taking part in the Coffee & Quality Fellows Program, a 15-month fellowship focused on strengthening how organizations use data to improve programs and outcomes. Sarah and Kristen shared EMERGE’s progress to date and were recognized alongside fellow participants for their ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.
| | Sporting Clays Tournament Raises More Than $550,000 | Thank you to everyone who joined us for the sixth annual EMERGE Sporting Clays Tournament. The event was chaired by Christy and Matt Rowland. Matt Rowland also serves as president and CEO of Third Coast, this year’s Title Sponsor. Nearly 200 guests gathered for a day of community, purpose and impact, helping raise more than $550,000 to support EMERGE Scholars on their path to selective colleges. | Cocktails & Conversations: An Evening of Inspiration | | EMERGE Board Vice President Hillary Holmes and her husband, Matthew Archer, recently opened their home for Cocktails & Conversations, a special evening bringing together friends and supporters to learn more about EMERGE’s mission and impact. Guests heard powerful stories from EMERGE students and alumni whose journeys embody the power of opportunity, mentorship, and education. | | |
EMERGE, a college access organization
Univision Houston - August 16 & 17, 2025
EMERGE staff were guests on Contigo en la Comunidad, a Spanish-language community affairs show, where they shared how EMERGE empowers talented students to apply to, thrive at, and graduate from the nation’s top colleges.
EMERGE Names Ashley Cash as CEO
The Katy News - September 9, 2025
The Katy News featured EMERGE’s recent announcement of Ashley Cash as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer.
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EMERGE Alumni Coffee & Chat
Sat., Nov. 22, 2025 | 10 a.m. - noon
Slowpokes, 2925 Richmond Ave. #120
The EMERGE Alumni Association is hosting an Alumni Coffee & Chat for some casual conversation.
RSVP
EMERGE Mentorship Meet Up
Sun., Dec. 7, 2025
EMERGE mentors and mentees will come together to strengthen relationships, share experiences, and have fun while building community.
EMERGE Student Thank-A-Thon
Tues., Dec. 9, 2025 | 5:30 - 7 p.m.
EMERGE high school seniors will call and personally thank the generous donors who make our work possible. If you receive a call this day, it’s simply their way of saying thank you for helping them pursue their college dreams.
EMERGE Winter Scholar Summit
Fri., Jan. 9, 2026
EMERGE college scholars home for the holidays gather to reconnect, build community, and gain valuable career insights. Through interactive sessions and networking opportunities, scholars strengthen the skills and connections they need to thrive beyond college.
EMERGE Junior Retreat
Sat., Jan. 24, 2026
EMERGE high school juniors will uncover their personal stories, strengthen leadership skills, and prepare to approach the college application process with clarity and purpose.
EMERGE Mentorship Networking Workshop
Sat., Jan. 31, 2026
Through interactive sessions and etiquette training, EMERGE mentees will practice effective introductions, learn business dining etiquette, and prepare to engage with mentors and professionals at upcoming networking events.
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Build The Village Luncheon
Tues., March 3, 2026
River Oaks Country Club
Join us for EMERGE’s signature annual event where community leaders, partners, and champions come together to celebrate the power of education and the impact of our scholars.
Learn More
| | MISSION: EMERGE empowers and equips high-achieving students from low-income communities to apply to, thrive at, and graduate from the nation’s best colleges. | | © 2025 EMERGE. All Rights Reserved. | | | | |
