emerge program Youth Leadership Fellowship
About the Youth Leadership Fellowship
In partnership with the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania and the Rendell Center for Civics and Civic Engagement, the Emerge Program's Youth Leadership Fellowship is a one-of-a-kind, 6-week intensive journey that prepares high school students to lead with vision, voice, and purpose. Through mentorship from civic leaders, interactive workshops, and immersive, real-world projects, students don’t just study leadership — they practice it.
Eligibility Criteria
- In grades 10–12 in the Eastern District of PA ("EDPA")
- Curious about leadership, government, and public service
- Ready to make a difference in their schools and communities
- Open to learning, growing, and leading with integrity
- Applicants must provide the name and emall of a teacher who will recommend them
Key Program Highlights
- Explore how local, state, and federal systems work and how decisions get made.
- Understand how dollars and budgets directly shape communities.
- Practice collaboration, ethical decision-making, and authentic leadership.
- Build confidence in public speaking and develop the skills to influence others.
- Design and present solutions to challenges facing youth today.
Program Details
- Duration: 6 Weeks (Beginning November 1st, except November 29th)
- Format: Saturday, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
- Location(s): Fels Institute of Government, University of Pennsylvania & community sites
- Cost: FREE
the tiered Emerge Programs
Emerge Foundations
Audience: Grades 6–8
Duration: 8 weeks | Weekly 90-minute sessions
Format: after-school & weekends, hybrid (virtual & in-person)
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the principles of fairness, justice, and accountability
- Develop empathy, listening, and conflict resolution skills
- Practice self-expression through storytelling and collaborative problem-solving
- Participate in a youth mock hearing — “The Case of the Missing Mic” or a similar creative scenario
Program Flow:
- Week 1–2: Identity & Voice – Who am I as a leader?
- Week 3–4: Fairness & Systems – What does justice look like?
- Week 5–6: Courage & Communication – How do I speak truth?
- Week 7–8: Showcase – Presenting cases before peers and mentors
Cost: $300 per student
Outcome: Emerge Foundations Certificate + invitation to the high school track
Why It Works:
Foundations reaches youth before disengagement sets in — helping them see their value, power, and responsibility early.
Emerge Advance
Theme: Ethics, Leadership, and Purpose in Action.
Audience: Grades 9–12
Duration: 6–8 weeks | Includes mentorship and community project
Format: After-school or Saturday intensive
Learning Objectives:
- Practice ethical reasoning and decision-making
- Strengthen communication, debate, and advocacy skills
- Design a community impact project
- Explore real-world career pathways in law, leadership, and public service
Program Flow:
- Week 1–2: Values & Decision-Making
- Week 3–4: Systems & Society
- Week 5–6: Advocacy & Public Voice
- Week 7–8: Capstone Project Showcase
Cost: $400–$500 per student
Outcome: Emerge Advance Certificate + potential nomination for the free flagship Emerge Youth Leadership Program
Why It Works:
Advance builds from self-awareness to system impact — turning insight into leadership and leadership into tangible community action.
Emerge Summer Intensive
Theme: A Week of Purpose, Practice, and Power.
A one-week immersive leadership experience blending the best of all Emerge tiers — mock trials, media storytelling, leadership challenges, and mentorship in a fun, hands-on environment.
Format:
6 days (including a Saturday) | In-person | Culminating student-led showcase
Cost: $500 per student
Outcome: Intensive leadership badge, media feature, and alumni access
Why It Works:
For families seeking meaningful summer enrichment that blends purpose, exposure, and fun — this is leadership camp redefined.