"Purpose" has been identified as a fundamental need of adolescence, and there are a growing number of community service programs that may promote the development of a sense of purpose and meaning for youth participants. Understanding the transformative nature of contextual influences for the individual is critical, and this research explores this intersection for secondary school students involved in PeaceJam, an innovative social action program. This mixed methods study draws from both a quantitative survey that detailed trends, and from interpretive interviews that were used to explicate these trends. Participants reported positive changes in a sense of purpose and individual meaning, and identified promising influences on academic and community engagement. This paper provides an account of the development of youth purpose through the voices of youth who were engaged in promoting social justice and community transformation.