Emerge Header for Rendell Center

Emerge is a one-of-a-kind, 6-week intensive journey that prepares high school students to lead with vision, voice and purpose.  The program blends mentorship, hands-on workshops and immersive, real-world, civic projects

Emerge

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.
  • Meet and connect with key Philadelphia and Pennsylvania decision makers
  • Design and present solutions to challenges facing youth today.

Program Details

  • Six (6) Weeks, beginning November 1 (except November 29th)
  • Saturdays – 9:30–12:00pm
  • Location: Fels Institute of Government, University of Pennsylvania  and other community sites

Eligibility

High School Students in the Eastern District of PA (Philadelphia, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Northampton Counties) and are:

  • Grades 10-12
  • Curious about leadership, government and public service
  • Ready to make a difference in their schools and community
  • Open to learning, growing, and leading with integrity
  • Applicants must provide a name and email of a teacher who will recommend them

* There is no cost to attend.

* Participants will receive a Certificate at the end of the program

Application Process

  • Applications are due: October 21, 2025
  • Applicants will be informed about their acceptance by: October 25, 2025

Applicants will need to confirm attendance by: October 31, 2025

Any questions or comments, please email Beth Specker

Register Below

Ebony Wortham - Program Director

Ebony Wortham, Program Director

Ebony Wortham is a dedicated public servant with a notable career in law, government, and community engagement. She currently serves as the executive assistant United States attorney in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, where she leads strategic partnerships between law enforcement and communities to enhance public safety and well-being.

Previously, Ms. Wortham was a senior managing consultant at PFM’s Center for Justice and Safety Finance, where she advised government agencies on strategies to enhance public safety and optimize criminal justice system resources. Before that, she spent over fifteen years as an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia, managing thousands of cases across juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony divisions while working closely with social services and law enforcement to promote public safety and well-being.

Beyond her professional roles, Ms. Wortham is deeply committed to the arts, civic engagement and mentorship. She serves on the boards of and volunteers with organizations such as the Quintessence Theater Group, the Rotary Club of Chestnut Hill, Youth Action, Teenshop, Inc., and the Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia.

A Philadelphia native, Ms. Wortham is a graduate of Central High School and holds degrees from Temple University, Delaware Law School, the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government, where she served as President of the Women of Fels. She is an active member of the Forum of Executive Women, the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, and The Links, Incorporated.

A multiracial group of six high school students sitting together in a classroom having a discussion, with a teacher, an African-American woman. The students are in two teams, wearing either blue or red shirts. They could be participating in an after school activity, perhaps a debate team or math club.
Teenager student doing a presentation in the classroom
A professional group meeting taking place in a well-lit classroom. Participants are seated in a circle, engaging in discussion and collaboration.
Teenage students learning together as they group around a desk to share their thoughts in a university classroom