Our Mission

The LEAH Project’s mission is to promote the power of young people, especially Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) youth, to diversify the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Through paid STEM internships, dynamic college and career readiness programming, and meaningful youth leadership opportunities, LEAH cultivates the confidence of youth and equips them with the skills and connections they need to thrive. Serving Boston area youth from marginalized groups that have been historically excluded from the STEM workforce, LEAH addresses inequities in academics, college preparation, and careers through internships, mentorships, social-emotional learning support, and college readiness and persistence programming. 

LEAH is housed at Health Resources in Action (HRiA), a non-profit public health organization with a mission to help people live healthier lives and create healthier communities. 

Since 2005, LEAH has impacted the lives of over 7,500 elementary and high school students in the Boston area. LEAH provides youth and children with a rich blend of opportunities, experiences, and relationships that support and inspire them to succeed academically and to pursue their career interests. 

It’s hard to define LEAH in a concise way. We stand for community, opportunity, education and most importantly growth; growth within ourselves with the help of all famiLEAH members
— Andrianne, LEAH Alum

How does it work?

Become a LEAH Youth Leader

  • High schoolers apply for one of THREE paid internship opportunities (Click here).

    • School Year Internship: STEM Teaching

    • Summer Internships: LEAH Knox and STEM Exploration

  • Current LEAH Youth Leaders and staff choose new LEAH high school youth through a rigorous but fun application and interview process.

Get access to College and Career Readiness PRogramming

  • Youth Leaders are provided with college and career readiness support to break down barriers that could stand between them and a post-secondary school education.

  • Youth Leaders come together to lead and participate in weekly training and team-building

Part of the Fami-LEAH!

  • Once LEAH Youth Leaders graduate high school, they’re still part of the FamiLEAH, and have access to a college peer mentorship program as well as college persistence programming to support them as they navigate college.