Emerging Leaders Program

Program Description

The Emerging Leadership Program supports the growth of counseling leaders in Pennsylvania by providing varied experiences to strengthen leadership skills. The program uses intentional training, mentorship, book study, collaboration, and active involvement with the Pennsylvania Counseling Association (PCA) Divisions, Committees, and Chapters to provide leadership development. It includes a year-long Capstone Project that provides opportunities to build community, gain practical experience, and contribute meaningfully to PCA’s mission.

Emerging Leaders Program Application Link: Application available in Spring 2027 for Cohort 3(27-28)

The Emerging Leaders Committee opens a call for applications each Spring and decisions are delivered each Fall in advance of the annual PCA conference. In addition to the year long leadership program, leaders selected for the program receive:

  • Two free PCA conferences - at the beginning and end of the leadership year
  • A 1 year free PCA membership
  • All necessary supplies for completing the program

Program Goals

The overall goals of the program are to:

  • Develop and improve leadership skills
  • Develop at least three connections within PCA Leadership
  • Create, navigate, and complete a Capstone Project 
  • Participate in two leadership-focused book studies

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the program, each Emerging Leader will have accomplished the following:

  • Participated in monthly Emerging Leadership meetings
  • Participated in monthly Book Study meetings
  • Identified a mentor and participated in monthly meetings with mentor
  • Attended quarterly meetings with their branch representative
  • Attended quarterly 1:1 meetings with the 1:1 Coordinator
  • Attended quarterly PCA Board Meetings 
  • Completed a Project Proposal with Taskforce approval
  • Completed a Capstone Project and presented it at the closing conference of the program year.