The Youth Leadership Crew program provides sustainable employment & youth leadership development to local East Boston teenagers. Established and administered by NOAH, a 501(c)(3) community development non-profit, the program gives local youth the opportunity to develop leadership skills as they spearhead activities to address environmental and socioeconomic issues within their own community.The youth members design and implement their own campaign priorities and participate in hiring new members. They set priorities by polling residents and create outreach strategies tailored to the unique needs and attributes of the community. NOAH’s dedicated adult staff mentors work closely with the youth to ensure that community activities and campaign strategies are well-planned, and that the youth feel a sense of ownership and leadership of their projects. The program enriches the development of East Boston teens through hands-on, community-based experiential activities that enhance their intellect, academic performance, and understanding of the interconnected society in which they live; they, in turn, facilitate environmental restoration and community-building projects in their own neighborhood. This initiative provides sustainable employment and allows local teenagers access to leadership development without the concern of financial burden on their families - especially when the household may have limited/no disposable income, - via paying the youth a stipend.