Teen Programs
Building Confidence, Connection & Opportunity
At King Street Center, teens find more than a place to go after school — they find community, mentorship, academic support, leadership opportunities, and pathways toward their future.
From middle school through high school graduation, our programs create safe, enriching spaces where young people can build confidence, strengthen relationships, explore careers, and discover their voice.
Why Teen Programming Matters
The hours outside of school are some of the most critical in a young person’s development. King Street Center’s teen programs provide consistent support, trusted relationships, academic enrichment, and meaningful opportunities during a time when youth are navigating enormous social, emotional, and academic change.
Our programs are designed to meet teens where they are while helping them imagine where they can go and reinforcing belonging, identity development, workforce readiness, and community connection.
Middle School Program
Our Middle School Program offers a safe and engaging afterschool environment where youth build friendships, strengthen academic skills, and explore new interests through hands-on activities, leadership opportunities, and community experiences.
Youth participate in:
Homework and academic support
Entrepreneurship and project-based learning
Field trips and enrichment activities
Social-emotional skill building
Recreation and community-building
Summer programming and leadership opportunities
Academic & Career Exploration (High School)
Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) prepares high school students for life beyond graduation through career exposure, financial literacy, paid learning opportunities, mentorship, and individualized support.
Students explore pathways in college, trades, entrepreneurship, and workforce development while building the confidence and skills needed to pursue their goals.
How We’ve Grown Since 2022
Expanded Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) from just 3 high school students to 42 teens exploring college, trades, entrepreneurship, and workforce pathways
Grown our Middle School Program from 27 youth to 45 participants this year alone
Increased paid summer opportunities for teens through programs like Academic & Career Exploration, the Summer Entrepreneurship Program, and Junior Camp Counselor positions
Built more than 30 industry and community partnerships providing career exposure, mentorship, workplace visits, and financial literacy experiences
Continued providing all teen programming at no cost to families to ensure equitable access to safe, enriching, and opportunity-filled experiences
Invest in Teen Potential
King Street Center’s teen programs are entirely free for participants and are among the programs most deeply sustained through private philanthropy. Community investment makes it possible for teens to access academic support, career exploration, mentorship, leadership development, and safe spaces to grow, regardless of financial barriers.