EMERGE currently operates at all HISD high schools and recruits 10th grade students each year. Competitive applicants are economically-disadvantaged and generally the first in their family to graduate from a four-year college or university. They must have a strong academic profile that includes getting good grades in rigorous courses.
Phase 1: Application (February 2nd - April 15th)
- Student & Family Background
- Extracurricular Involvement
- Short Response Questions
- Personal Essays
*Students will be notified if they advance to the interview phase by June 21st*
Phase 2: Finalist Interviews (TBD)*
There will be a New Student Orientation Saturday August 3rd, 2024 for new students and their families.
*Note: Not every student who applies will move on to the second phase (finalist interviews). Thousands of highly-qualified students apply for a limited number of spots within EMERGE-HISD.
EMERGE evaluates prospective applicants holistically. There are no minimum test scores or GPA. We look for students with:
- A strong academic profile who seek challenging courses.
- Drive, perseverance, curiosity, humility, and gratitude.
- Extracurricular involvement and leadership potential.
- Limited financial means.
- A first-generation college background. This means that the student will be among the first generation in their family to attend and graduate from college.