Hope and help for UTA students in need
Over the past few years, Angel Jefferson, a broadcasting student at The University of Texas at Arlington, has struggled with housing instability. He has spent nights on friends' couches and slept in cars, parking garages and public parks across Dallas-Fort Worth.
He understands the uncertainty of not having a stable place to call home. When he faced the possibility of homelessness again this past summer, Jefferson feared reliving those experiences.
However, just as the spring semester ended, Jefferson connected with UTA’s Emerging Mavericks program, a recently established initiative to support students who have aged out of the foster care system or experienced homelessness. Through the program, Jefferson secured temporary on-campus housing, enabling him to enroll in summer classes and work at The Shorthorn, UTA’s student-run newspaper.
“It felt like a prayer was answered,” Jefferson said. “Being free from the worry of where I’d sleep each night lifted a huge weight off my shoulders, allowing me to fully focus on my career goals.”
Emerging Mavericks officially launched last spring with a mission to help students like Jefferson access essential resources. Program Manager Harold Bryant said the program’s proactive approach includes reaching out to high school and two-year college students to familiarize them with available resources before they arrive at UTA.
“I advocate for students who come to the Emerging Mavericks program,” Bryant said. “Whether internally, such as helping with temporary on-campus housing, or externally, when some of our students have to interact with the legal system, counselors, or doctors—whatever the student needs, I support that.”
Bryant’s role often extends beyond advocacy to mentorship, guiding students as they integrate into their communities. He assists students in obtaining essential documents like Social Security cards, and ensures they have the tools needed to succeed academically and personally.
Reflecting UTA's commitment to student support and success initiatives, the Emerging Mavericks program offers a vital network of resources, including temporary housing, career counseling, academic support and community-building opportunities, enabling students to prioritize their studies and personal growth.
Shawn Richardson, a UTA sudent pursuing a degree in music industry studies, has also benefitted from the program. After being in foster care and spending time in the criminal justice system, Richardson found support through Emerging Mavericks and Bryant, who helped him secure work opportunities and aid from UTA’s Emergency Assistance Fund—and who, most importantly, has become a trusted confidant.
“Bryant offers a perspective I don’t always see on my own,” Richardson said. “I can go to him with anything; he’ll listen without judgment. He’ll sit down with me to work through solutions, no matter how personal the issue might be.”
For Jefferson and Richardson, Emerging Mavericks has been more than a support program—it has been a lifeline. Bryant's dedication to their success has transformed their experiences at UTA.
“Bryant has been a mentor since the day we met,” Jefferson said. “As someone who has also experienced the foster care system and homelessness, he’s shown me how to navigate University life with confidence despite my background.”