Academic & Career Exploration

Empowering Burlington’s high school youth to explore, grow, and lead.

At King Street Center, we believe that every young person deserves the chance to dream and have equitable access to the tools to get there. In early 2024, the Academic & Career Exploration program, or ACE, was born from the voices of our teens. They needed more than a safe space. They wanted real career direction, financial stability, and a sense of purpose.

Throughout high school, youth explore careers, build life skills, connect with professionals, and earn stipends, fully resourcing them to overcome barriers.

In less than two years, high school enrollment at King Street has grown from barely a handful, to 30 active participants because of ACE.

Why ACE Exists

We know that the high school years are a turning point. For many of our youth — especially those from multilingual and working-class households — this is the time when family responsibilities and financial pressures can take priority over personal growth and future planning. ACE is a youth-led, four-year journey that opens doors to opportunity, builds confidence, and removes barriers to success.

What ACE Offers

ACE isn’t just an afterschool program — it’s a comprehensive, stipended pathway that combines:

  • Career Exploration: Site visits, job shadows, and networking with local professionals across industries—from aviation to finance, journalism to healthcare.

  • Academic Support: Tutoring, study skills, and resources to help youth stay on track for graduation and post-secondary success.

  • Professional Development: Resume building, time management, public speaking, and leadership training.

  • Financial Literacy: Budgeting, credit education, and long-term goal setting with partners like North Country Federal Credit Union and Chase Bank.

  • Mentorship: Connections with trusted adults who guide, encourage, and inspire.

We provide meals, transportation, and annual stipends ($1,500–$2,500) so that participation is never a financial burden.

Why ACE Works

Unlike traditional workforce readiness models, ACE was co-created with youth voices at the center. This program doesn’t just prepare young people for jobs — it prepares them for life.

In just two years:

  • Participation has grown from 2 to over 30 high school students.

  • Youth have been accepted into competitive programs like the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont.

  • Students have completed fellowships with local employers, mentored younger kids, and built strong professional networks.

  • Over $53,000 in stipends awarded this year alone — investing directly in youth dignity, equity, and economic empowerment.

The Ripple Effect

When youth thrive, so do their families, schools, and neighborhoods. ACE challenges the status quo, proving that when we trust, resource, and remove barriers for youth, they don’t just success, they lead. ACE fosters:

  • Resilience – overcoming challenges with confidence.

  • Leadership – shaping a more inclusive future for Vermont.

  • Community Vitality – building a network of opportunity that lasts for generations.

2025 Final Showcase:

Hear from our program participants about what they learned, what inspired them most, and where they think they might be headed…

Breaking down barriers. Building futures. Strengthening our community.

You can be part of the story. Here’s how:

  • Are you a business owner or work for a unique company? Show youth what’s possible in your field by hosting a site visit.

  • Volunteer to host a skill-building workshop or training in your expertise.

  • Pair up with one of our teens to share your expertise and life experience with.

  • Your investment fuels stipends, programming, and opportunity.

Program Details

  • Program development happens in September through January, and the program officially begins in February.

  • The program is designed to serve youth at different stages:

    • ACE 1: Introductory High School Support & Career Exploration Trips

    • ACE 2: Professional Skill-Building

    • ACE 3: Prepare for Life After High School

    • ACE 4: Job Shadowing/Internship/Career-Based Mentorship

  • Industries of exploration: medical/dental, manufacturing/trades, finance, business/entrepreneurship, IT/engineering, emergency services, hospitality, arts/media, government/non-profit/education.

  • Over 25 business partnerships

  • Trainings include life skills, interviewing skills, networking, financial literacy, resume building, professionalism, college prep, etc.

  • Youth receive a participatory stipend so they don’t have to choose between an after school job and planning for their future

“ACE is a really unique program that I’m proud to be in and I’m interested in learning about different careers in the workforce.”

— Mathias (10th Grade)

“ACE is important because it will give me a lot of experiences that I normally wouldn’t get. I want to learn more about how jobs work and what my different college options are.”

— Ibrahim (10th Grade)

“It’s a pathway for me to learn about careers after high school and college.”

— Hawa (12th Grade)

Fill out the form below or reach out directly to our ACE Program Director, Joe Ruggles, at joe@kingstreetcenter.org.

2024 Final Showcase: