In 1991 a group of 13 year olds who were too old for the program petitioned to have a leadership program for Mali Yetu graduates 13 and over. Admittance into the leadership program is based on merit. Parents and teachers select a panel of community elders to serve as judges. Students are asked to write an essay stating why they want to be in the program. After reviewing the essays and interviewing students, the judges select six students.

The student leaders have activities throughout the year. These include activities and workshops to help them be better student leaders and prepare them for future roles as community leaders. During the summer program these six students assist classroom teachers and the program Director in the mornings, in addition they participate in leadership courses specially designed for them in the mornings and leadership workshops in the afternoons.

Students are often proud to get their black Mali Yetu shirts, as black is the color worn by the leaders, setting them apart from the other students in the program.