Youth Leading the Way

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.

Under the direction of the Director and Lead Coordinator, the Youth will be responsible for participating in skill building workshops and creating initiatives and community workshops that will benefit the community. Youth will give presentations, lead roundtable discussions in partnership with other youth programs, and participate in intergenerational activities.

Candidate Requirements:

- Must be enrolled in high school, a Boston resident, and between the ages of 14-18.
- Must be passionate about being part of the change they want to see in their community and understand the importance of public service.
- Must have an interest in exploring new experiences.
- Must have good communication skills, be willing to take initiative when completing tasks, maintain a positive attitude, work effectively in a team, and be committed to the job.
- While an interest in law enforcement is not mandatory, the candidate must be comfortable working with police officers and in a law enforcement environment.
Additional Program Requirements:

-Summer applicants must participate in the Boston Teen Police Academy.
- Candidate must participate in all activities, community events, skill-building workshops, presentations, and physical training required by the program.
- Previous experience is not required. The program follows the PEACE curriculum, which offers weekly exploratory and enrichment experiences. PEACE stands for:
- Practice Patience
- Everyone is Important
- Acts of Kindness
- Community Caretaker
- Everyday for the Rest of Your Life
Additional Notes:

- Public transportation is required to and from the program location.
- Transportation is provided for off-site locations only.
- Orientation is mandatory.