Emerging Roots started with a mother's fear — and a refusal to accept it. Our founder looked at the schools meant to prepare Black and Latino kids for the future and found a gap — real-world skills like financial literacy, leadership, and entrepreneurship simply weren't being taught. With 125,000 Houston youth ages 16–24 disconnected from school and work — and less than 32% of young people ever accessing meaningful leadership development — that gap has real consequences.

We serve Black and Latino high schoolers in Houston's East End: young people from low-income communities who are hungry to grow but haven't always had the space to do it. Through our 6-week summer program, students build skills in entrepreneurship, storytelling, and identity exploration. Last year, one student launched her business by selling 70+ cookies at Black Heritage Festival. Another spoke at a statewide conference. That's what happens when young people find their village.

This summer, we're ready to serve 10–12 students — and we need your help to make it happen. We're raising $15,000 by June 1st to cover meals, transportation, materials, and field trips, with a goal of putting a refurbished laptop in every student's hands. All at no cost to them or their families.

Invest in their future today.

Grow With Us

Team Members