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 24, 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 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.
