It is structured for young men, 10-16, to meet weekly to discuss and learn about law, medicine, legislation, and community service. They are also able to take field trips, and all at no cost to the young men. .
"Not only does the leadership academy foster an environment where the older boys can mentor younger members, but it also cultivates a youth movement for the NAACP, since participants are required to be NAACP members. As members, they are eligible to participate in all Cleveland Youth Council activities" (Barnes-Thomas, 2010, p. 50-51). .
These are programs that are in dire need if the organizations, such as the NAACP, want to survive and make for a better tomorrow. A key example of how involvement during youth can lead to great things for members is Kameron Middlebrooks. Now the Midwest Regional Director for the NAACP, started out simply as the volunteered treasurer for a high school chapter. Then once he attended a National Convention, his views were changed. He went on to do great things, including working as a field organizer for the Obama presidential campaign. Now he is own a mission to gain membership and organizational support from his region. He states that while his region is the largest by landmass, he has the smallest number of members. It is programs that mold people like this that will eventually keep these organizations alive and thriving. .
Not only are the young people in demand, but the "sandwich generation" is needed as well. These are members and people that are in their 30's and 40's; they have parents, as well as children, to look out for. Thus, giving them a more broad range of battles to fight or ideas to pursue. The NAACP has captured the interest of this generation by the annual Leadership 500 Summit. It was created by the NAACP's vice chair, Roslyn M. Brock. She wanted to encourage professionals in their 30's and 40's to become more involved in the organization.