Academic Excellence Scholarship for Foster Youth presented to Idelia Robinson-Confer of Greensburg

Greensburg’s Idelia Robinson-Confer has been in foster care since she turned 13.

Now 20, one constant over the past seven years from changes she has endured in homes, families and schools has been Florence “Flo” Jenkins, a Greensburg resident who served as her Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

Jenkins nominated Robinson-Confer for the 2020 Academic Excellence Scholarship for Foster Youth because “she’s a kid with a big heart” and “a very resilient young woman.”

“Having a CASA has changed my life forever,” Robinson-Confer said. Receiving the scholarship “means a lot to me just because this organization has done so much for me.”

The $10,000 scholarship, or $2,500 per year for up to four years, is presented by national law firm Akerman LLP and the National CASA/Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Association for Children.

Robinson-Confer is a first-generation college student. The junior at California University of Pennsylvania has a 4.0 grade-point average and is studying psychology with a minor in leadership studies.

Before attending college, Robinson-Confer advocated on behalf of homeless youth in foster care throughout high school by organizing a clothing drive and speaking in recognition of Child Welfare Professionals Appreciation Week at the Pennsylvania State House.

At college, Robinson-Confer helped form a foster care program that still is in the works through the Academic Success Program.

“Honestly, I’m really grateful to attend college,” Robinson-Confer said. “Ultimately, my main goal is to give back to others to make a difference in the community around the area of foster youth for children who went through similar situations as myself.”

According to the National Foster Youth Institute, only about half of foster youth end up finishing high school and less than 3% graduate from a four-year college.

“She has faced things that kids should not have to face and, all of that time, Idelia has remained positive and optimistic,” Jenkins said. “She believes that regardless of what your background is, you can be successful and she wants to share that with others.”

As a CASA, one of Jenkins’ jobs was to get to know Robinson-Confer and her family and make sure they meet up at least once a month.

She and Robinson-Confer “have developed something that goes beyond the CASA over the years,” Jenkins said.

“Flo has believed in me since the beginning,” Robinson-Confer said. “Over the years, I struggled with blaming myself for my parents’ actions. People would always say (that I would) repeat their actions and that it was only a matter of time.”

Robinson-Confer said that it means a lot to have one person to which she doesn’t have to repeatedly explain her story.

“Most people talk about what a CASA does for a child, but there are very few conversations on what the child does for the CASA,” Jenkins said. “Idelia has enhanced my life as well as my being able to support her.”

“We make a good team,” Robinson-Confer said. “Because of Flo, I became more strong and confident in the person I am today.”

After graduation, Robinson-Confer hopes to pursue a master’s degree and work as a child psychologist.