This qualitative study examines the notion of youth leadership in an after-school program focused on teaching leadership skills and instilling habits of civic engagement within a long-term support program that prioritizes college readiness for low-income minority students. Through activities designed to help youth discover their passions, envision their academic and professional potential, and engage with their communities, the leadership program provides the space--physical, curricular, structural, and relational--for youth to cultivate purposeful notions of self and explore ways they can make a difference in the lives of their peers and their communities. Authentic leadership development was found to depend on relationships with program staff that are more horizontal than hierarchical in nature. Beyond centering youth experience and voice, the study also illustrates distinctive programmatic conditions conducive to supporting youth leadership development experiences that are relevant to youth and that are based in shared power with adults and peers.