This year, over 300 EMERGE first-year students are headed to selective colleges and universities across the country. Before their departure, we are excited to offer them the opportunity to connect with other students headed to the same school.

 

SQUADs are peer groups created to connect matriculating college freshman from Houston ISD, Spring ISD, and Spring Branch ISD who are enrolling in the same college. Scholars will be able to form meaningful and impactful relationships with peers that share their FLI identity and form SQUADs. The event will be intentionally geared towards community building and growing excitement around college. 

 

Research shows that early exposure to like-minded peers and adults increases likelihood of ongoing pursuit of academic goals (Hudley et al. 2009). This is why it’s important to continue to foster these relationships even after our students graduate from high school. FLI students who are able to find a community and feel more socially integrated at their school have higher success rates (Sommerfeld & Bowen, 2013). 

 

Upon arrival to  campus, a SQUAD cohort consists of every EMERGE Scholar, freshman-senior, on campus. Each SQUAD is eligible to receive funding to host social events for EMERGE Scholars during the academic year.  The 2nd Annual SQUADs is a virtual, 4-day  event from July 27th- 30th. 

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If you have questions, please email Sayra Alanis at: sayra@emergefellowship.org.

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