Middle School Program
A Safe Place to Belong & Become
King Street Center’s Middle School Program provides youth with a safe, supportive, and engaging environment during one of the most important stages of development. Middle school can be a time of enormous transition academically, socially, and emotionally, and our program is designed to ensure young people have consistent support, trusted relationships, and opportunities to grow both in and out of the classroom.
Through academic support, enrichment activities, leadership opportunities, and meaningful relationships, youth build confidence while discovering new interests and strengthening their voice. Whether participating in hands-on projects, exploring entrepreneurship, receiving homework help, joining field trips, or simply having a safe space to belong when school’s out, youth are encouraged to explore who they are and what they’re capable of becoming.
Our program centers connection, curiousity, and opportunity, creating space for middle schoolers to build friendships, develop critical life skills, and experience the kind of encouragement and stability that helps young people thrive.
What Youth Experience
Academic Support
Homework help, literacy support, project-based learning, and encouragement from trusted adults.
Enrichment & Exploration
Cooking, art, recreation, entrepreneurship projects, STEM activities, field trips, and community experiences.
Leadership & Voice
Opportunities for youth to shape programming, lead projects, and build confidence.
Safe Community
Consistent relationships, trusted mentors, and a welcoming environment where youth feel seen and supported.
2026 Summer Entrepreneurship Project
King Street Center’s Summer Entrepreneurship Project gives middle school youth the opportunity to explore creativity, teamwork, leadership, and business skills through hands-on, real-world experiences designed around their interests and ideas.
What began years ago as a traditional lemonade stand has evolved alongside our youth into a broader entrepreneurship experience that encourages young people to think critically, problem-solve collaboratively, and take ownership of projects from concept to execution.
Throughout the summer, participants work together to:
Brainstorm and develop business or project ideas
Create products, experiences, or community-centered initiatives
Learn budgeting, marketing, communication, and customer service skills
Practice teamwork, leadership, and decision-making
Build confidence through public-facing and community-based experiences
More importantly, the project creates space for middle schoolers to discover their strengths, amplify their voices, and see themselves as capable leaders and creators.
By combining enrichment, mentorship, and experiential learning, the Summer Entrepreneurship Project helps youth build skills that extend far beyond the summer, preparing them for future leadership opportunities, high school career exploration experiences, and greater confidence in themselves and their potential.