Emerging Leaders Fellowship

In 2023, PA CASA launched its inaugural Emerging Leaders Fellowship, a nine-month paid virtual advocacy program designed to support individuals with lived experience in foster care. Throughout the fellowship, our Emerging Leaders engage in a comprehensive curriculum aimed at enhancing their skills as advocates and professionals. Topics include the importance of lived experience and advocacy, data-informed advocacy, strategic storytelling, and legislative advocacy. Fellows also receive professional development training, which covers job interview preparation, crafting cover letters and resumes, and improving financial literacy skills. Additionally, each fellow has the opportunity to design and implement an advocacy project based on their passions. These projects contribute to the initiatives at Pennsylvania CASA and help shape our priorities and advocacy efforts.

Building on the success of our first cohort, we are thrilled to introduce the 2024-2025 Fellows.

Aiden Collins

Aiden Collins (he/him) is currently based in Reading, Pennsylvania, and attends Penn State Berks, where he is pursuing a major in Marketing. Passionate about child welfare advocacy, Aiden is focused on increasing resources for older youth, expanding employment opportunities, and advocating for LGBTQ+ individuals. Beyond academics, he serves as the social media manager for Penn State Berks’ Rainbow Alliance and enjoys practicing self-care and staying active through exercise. Through this fellowship, Aiden is excited to collaborate with other fellows and further develop his advocacy skills.

Emma Grimm

Emma Grimm (she/her) currently resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is a recent graduate of the University of Valley Forge, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies. Emma has a passion for creative pursuits, including music, writing, photography, and art. Her child welfare advocacy focuses on improving transition planning for older youth in foster care and addressing youth homelessness. Through this fellowship, Emma is excited to grow as an advocate and leader while making meaningful connections.

The Impact of Our 2023 Emerging Leader Fellows

As we introduce our second cohort of Emerging Leader Fellows, we proudly reflect on the impact of our first cohort. These fellows created the Older Youth Advocacy Toolkit, a 43-page resource addressing the unique challenges of transition-age foster youth, including housing, education, employment, health, and independent living.

Since its release, the toolkit has been distributed to over 22 local CASA programs across Pennsylvania, equipping volunteers and staff with essential guidance to support youth.

Older Youth Advocacy Toolkit