Signing Ceremony Officializes Home of Future Youth Center

The partnership between the Ausherman Family Foundation, Frederick County Government, and the City of Frederick has paved the way for the future transfer of 300 Scotty’s Bus Lane from the County to the City. This milestone reflects the power of collaboration across sectors to advance the effort to establish a Youth Center in Frederick, creating meaningful opportunities and improving outcomes for the community’s youth.

The recommendation to establish a Youth Center in Frederick was established by the Downtown Safety and Services Initiative (DSSI) Report which highlighted the need for connection through productive, meaningful, and safe extracurricular activities for youth. After years of negotiating and collaborating, critical agreements were reached in September 2024, setting the stage for this transformative project.

On October 10, 2024, these three key stakeholders- along with over 100 nonprofit and community members- gathered  for the official Signing Ceremony. Congressman David Trone, whose advocacy helped to secure $4.6 million in federal funding for the Future Youth Center’s capital costs, also attended, further amplifying the significance of this initiative. His support has brought significant resources and support to this project, which will positively impact the lives of youth across Frederick County.

Slated to open in 2028, the Future Youth Center will be located at 300 Scotty’s Bus Lane and serve as a hub for young people, providing spaces for recreation, education, mentorship, and skill-building. By consolidating resources and programming in one location, the Center will address key challenges identified in the DSSI Report, including the need for accessible extracurricular activities and opportunities for connection.

At the heart of this initiative is the 12-to-24 Collaborative, a 50+ member collective impact network of nonprofits and service providers united by a shared mission: to create a stronger, more supportive community for youth. Alongside the Collaborative, the Frederick Youth Council will play an integral role in shaping the Future Youth Center, ensuring that the voices of young people are central to its development. Together, these groups will guide the Center’s programs and spaces to reflect the needs and aspirations of Frederick’s youth. To learn more about the 12-to-24 Collaborative or the Frederick Youth Council, visit frederick12to24.org.

In the coming months, visioning sessions and charrettes will engage stakeholders, youth, and the broader community to shape the Future Youth Center’s design and services, making it a truly community-driven space. The Ausherman Family Foundation continues to lead this effort, working closely with architects, service providers, and local officials to bring this ambitious project to life.