The annual Founders Award Program was established in 1956 as a tribute to the eight Philadelphia women who founded The Emergency Aid in 1914. Over 1,200 young women have received the Founders Award.

Awards are presented annually to young women in the ninth grade in Southeastern Pennsylvania.Candidates are nominated by their school principals or counselors determined by their community service activities and leadership qualities. The Emergency Aid Founders Committee chooses 20 students based on a written application, demonstrated leadership and good citizenship.

Founders Award Recipient 2013
“The Emergency Aid has given me the most wonderful opportunities that I might not have experienced anywhere else. EA opened my eyes to a love of service, from packaging donated food at Philabundance to providing breakfast for patients and their families at The Ronald McDonald House. The women of EA have been role models on serving the community. They have guided me on my high school journey through seminars focusing on preparation for college to time management. EA has also allowed me to make connections with girls at the college level and beyond, educating me on their college and career choices. I would love to continue with this wonderful organization!”

Jacqueline Rooney ’16

Founders Award Recipient 2014
“The seminars have helped me a lot because I can voice my thoughts and listen to other people who are going through the same things as I am. I have met many new friends; the girls are all so sweet, and I always enjoy catching up with them. Yes, I have participated in all our service events, and it’s really shown me how effective a whole group can be in the community. I definitely plan on continuing community service after high school and beyond because I’ve realized that I can give back even in the smallest ways.”

Amanda Kan‘17