King Street Center

This week was a powerful reminder of what can happen when we invest our time, energy, resources, and belief in young people.

Our Academic & Career Exploration Youth Showcase celebrated three years of ACE and offered an incredible window into the program through the voices of the young people who have grown alongside it.

The youth panel was the heart of the evening. Stuti, Alex, Esta, and Calvin reflected on the experiences that have shaped them, offered thoughtful and honest feedback about the program, shared where they're headed next, and spoke about the people and opportunities that have helped them get there.

Their confidence was unmistakable. So was their ability to imagine a future for themselves, identify what excites them, and begin building their own pathways forward.

This is why investing in young people matters. When we give them opportunities to explore, take risks, build relationships, and discover what they're capable of, they don't just prepare for what's next—they gain the confidence and tools to shape it for themselves.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to listen, celebrate, ask questions, and learn from our youth. To the partners, supporters, mentors, businesses, and community members who continue to open doors alongside us. Thank you to NorthCountry Federal Credit Union for not only being a Champion Sponsor, but also an incredible financial literacy partner for the ACE program! Thank you to Hula for being our venue partner and truly amazing hosts.

When we invest in young people, we invest in what's possible.

Sometimes the simplest activities spark the biggest conversations. 🌸

Our Middle School Girls Group recently took a flower walk, where each participant created a tiny bouquet by filling a hand-drawn vase with flowers they chose themselves. Although everyone started with the same materials, every creation was completely unique.

That became the perfect reminder that beauty was never meant to look the same.

Together, the group reflected on beauty standards, comparison, and the pressure so many young women feel to fit a certain mold. Like the flowers they gathered, each girl's story, perspective, and strengths are different... and that's exactly what makes them beautiful.

Creating spaces where young people can explore who they are, build confidence, and celebrate their individuality is just as important as any lesson taught in a classroom. 👑

A safer community starts with children.

Too often, we define public safety by how we respond after someone is already in crisis.

What if we measured it by how well we prevent children from ever reaching it?

Our Executive Director reflects on why prevention, and the voices of children and families, must be at the center of the conversation.

Read the full letter: https://ow.ly/ixwh50ZwfrI

A glimpse into what's possible. 🎓

Last week, a few of our rising ACE sophomores visited the University of Vermont for a day of exploration and discovery. From an admissions information session and student panel to touring classrooms, the library, student center, and dorms, youth got a firsthand look at life on a college campus.

Experiences like these help young people turn future goals into real possibilities. 💛

We're honored to be this month's 10% Rally for Change partner at City Market! 💚

A huge thank you to our longtime friends at City Market for supporting King Street Center during one of our busiest seasons. Every time you shop this month, you can make a difference by simply rounding up your purchase at the register.

Your spare change helps create joyful, enriching summer experiences for local youth, and together, those small acts of generosity add up in a big way.

🛒 Shop local. Round up. Support Burlington's kids. Thank you for being part of a community that shows up for young people all summer long. 💛