The Boston Police Departments mission is to serve using the philosophy of community policing. As a part of this philosophy, Youth Leading the Way was founded and created with a specific goal of servicing youth ages 14-24. Youth Leading the Way is committed to empowering young people by providing them with essential skills for comprehensive development. Our programs focus on enhancing their personal, social, and educational growth, allowing them to amplify their voices and emerge as leaders of positive change in their communities and society. Youth Leading the Way is committed to empowering young people by providing them with essential skills for comprehensive development. Our programs focus on enhancing their personal, social, and educational growth, allowing them to amplify their voices and emerge as leaders of positive change in their communities and society.
YLW Leaders and Youth Leaders, participates in leadership workshops, professional development workshops, coordinates and facilitates youth-lead round table discussions and youth police dialogues, and coordinates intergenerational programming with the senior population. YLW strongly encourages networking with community partners and other youth organizations. During the summer, YLW Youth Leaders will attend the Boston Police Teen Police Academy, which is an enrichment program that provides essential life skills and provides them with the opportunity to experience firsthand what it is like to be Boston Police recruit. Aside from daily physical fitness, the youth will participate in workshops on race, social justice, self-confidence, attend several college tours, experience a career day followed by mock interviews, and a host of guest speakers.