What Trackside Teen Center does

Trackside Teen Center of Wilton (operating as "Trackside") is a privately funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2004 in Wilton, Connecticut. It operates a single community facility at 15 Station Road under a "FOR teens, BY teens" model, in which high school students lead and mentor younger participants. The organization serves middle and high school students (grades 6-12) from Wilton and surrounding communities with a portfolio of afterschool clubs, summer camps, multi-day travel trips, Late Night programming, an on-site Snackside Cafe, a Green Teens gardening program, a Safe Rides service, and community special events. It holds a Candid Gold Seal of Transparency and is not licensed by the CT Office of Early Childhood.

The core product surface spans roughly a dozen recurring programs: an 8-10 week afterschool club catalog (15+ club types including D&D, ASL, Quiz Bowl, Coding, Cooking, Debate, Improv, Fashion Design, Fishing, Art, Gaming, Ultimate Frisbee, Chess, CAD/3D Modeling, and Tutoring), summer travel trips (Washington DC at $1,050 and Boston at $925), Spark Academy summer workshops ($220-$300), Late Night Friday events for high schoolers, the Summer of Service volunteer club, and stand-alone special events such as the Jessie's Girl 80s Night fundraiser and a treehouse-building workshop. Operations rely on third-party platforms — a parent portal for club registration (parent.trackside.org), Zeffy for event ticketing and donations, and standard office/communications tools — with no proprietary technology product.

Revenue is generated through a mix of recurring memberships ($150 per student academic year plus five monthly tiers from $10-$200), unit-priced program fees ($150-$300 per afterschool club session, $925-$1,050 for travel trips, $220-$300 for summer camps), cafe transactions, event sponsorships ranging from $250 to $10,000, and tax-deductible donations. The organization receives no town funding and must cover 100% of operating expenses from these streams plus scholarship contributions. Distribution is direct and in-person at the Wilton facility, with school-bus coordination (Bus 7 from Middlebrook Middle School) and word-of-mouth referrals driving enrollment; there is no virtual delivery option and no geographic expansion beyond Wilton.

Name

Trackside Teen Center

Legal name

Trackside Teen Center of Wilton

Website

https://trackside.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Trackside Teen Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Wilton, Connecticut that runs afterschool clubs, summer camps, travel trips, and teen-led programming for local middle and high school students, funded by donations, memberships, and program fees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Coding, Game Design & Computer Science Camps (EDAMALAD)

Keywords

• Youth development programs
• Afterschool club programs
• Teen leadership programs
• Nonprofit youth services
• Community enrichment activities

Headquarters

HQ city

Wilton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: Trackside is a privately funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that receives no town funding. All donations are tax deductible. EIN 10-0000069. Eligible for corporate match gift programs. Donations sustain mission and operations.
2. Membership Dues: Student membership at $150 per academic year provides 15% off afterschool clubs, early registration access, and priority for leader training opportunities. Monthly membership community offers tiers from $10-$200/month with varying benefits.
3. Afterschool Club Fees: Fees range from $150-$300 per 8-week session. Students grades 6+ can participate in various clubs including D&D, ASL, Quiz Bowl, Fashion Design, Fishing, Coding, Improv, Debate, Cooking, Art, Gaming, Ultimate Frisbee, and more.
4. Summer Travel Trips: Multi-day overnight trips including Washington DC ($1,050 for 5 days/4 nights) and Boston ($925 for 4 days/3 nights). Led by Dr. John Priest with curated chaperones, includes hotel, meals, activities, and sightseeing.
5. Summer Camps and Workshops: Spark Academy programs at $220 for week-long sessions. Chef Proto brunch bootcamp at $300. Treehouse building workshop at $300. Various specialized programming offered during summer months.
6. Snackside Cafe Revenue: Food service operated by high school leaders. Cafe card system with prepaid balances. Revenue supports inventory and operating costs. Items include chips, candy, soda, chicken fingers, fries, and other snacks.
7. Event Sponsorships: Sponsorship tiers for fundraising events including Jessie's Girl concert ($250-$10,000), Rock the Night gala ($250-$3,000), and other community events. Includes marketing benefits, tickets, and recognition.
8. Scholarship Fund Donations: Legacy of Love Leadership Award scholarships for graduating teen leaders. General scholarship funds for travel trips and programs based on financial need.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Trackside Teen Center of Wilton is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers safe, drug-free afterschool clubs, summer camps, multi-day travel trips, Late Night high school events, an on-site Snackside Cafe, a free weekend Safe Rides service, and community service programs for middle and high school students in Wilton, CT. Programming is led by high school students under staff direction on a "FOR teens, BY teens" model, with operations funded by donations, memberships, and program fees.

Product overview

Trackside Teen Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing a comprehensive suite of youth development programs and services for middle and high school students in Wilton, CT. The organization operates on a 'FOR teens, BY teens' model where high school students lead and mentor younger participants. Core offerings include afterschool club programs (featuring 15+ types of clubs from D&D to coding to cooking), summer camps and travel trips, the Late Night program for high schoolers, Snackside Cafe (teen-operated food service), Safe Rides (free ride home service), Green Teens gardening program, Summer of Service volunteer club, and special community events. The organization offers student membership ($150/year) and monthly membership community tiers ($10-$200/month) providing discounts and early access. All programs emphasize leadership development, community service, and healthy socialization in a safe, drug-free environment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Afterschool Club Programs Weekly afterschool clubs led by high school students for grades 6+, including D&D, ASL, Quiz Bowl, Fashion Design, Fishing, Coding, Preplay/Improv, Debate, Sports Statistics, Board Games, Cooking, Fitness Training, CAD/3D Modeling, Art, Gaming, and Ultimate Frisbee. Sessions run 8-10 weeks.
• Summer Camp Programs Summer programming including Spark Academy workshops (Aspiring Fashionista, Sports Management, Junior CEO, My First Food Truck), Chef Proto brunch bootcamp, and the Build a Treehouse workshop for middle and high school students.
• Summer Travel Trips Multi-day overnight trips for middle and high school students including Washington DC (5 days/4 nights at $1,050) and Boston (4 days/3 nights at $925), led by Dr. John Priest with curated chaperones, including hotel, meals, activities, tours, and snacks.
• Late Night Program Select Friday night events (8-10:30pm) for high school students featuring a lounge atmosphere, live music, coffee, food, gaming, and creative activities in a salon-like setting at Trackside.
• Snackside Cafe On-site cafe at Trackside run by high school leaders offering snacks, drinks, and prepared foods. Features a prepaid cafe card system and provides entrepreneurial experience for teen staff. Items include chips, candy, soda, chicken fingers, fries, and other snacks.
• Safe Rides Free safe ride home service for Wilton teens operating Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm-1:30am. Teens can call 203.834.CARE (2273) for transportation. Operated by Wilton SafeRides from the Trackside facility.
• Green Teens Award-winning youth gardening program in partnership with Wilton Garden Club. Participants grow vegetables and flowers, with produce donated to the Wilton Food Pantry and flowers to the Wilton Senior Center, plus hands-on garden activities and cooking.
• Summer of Service Club Teen-led volunteer program providing local volunteer opportunities for middle and high school students. Organizes community service projects including mural painting and backpack drives.
• Teen Leadership Programs (Boucher Teen Leaders) Teen leadership programs including Boucher Teen Leaders, Preplay Improv coaching, cooking clubs, Dungeons & Dragons leadership, and cafe management. Offers paid and volunteer opportunities for teens to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
• Special Events Community events including movie nights, dances, 80s nights, pancake breakfasts, community dinners, scavenger hunts, game nights, and themed celebrations for middle school and high school students, including the Jessie's Girl 80s Night benefit concert and the Rock the Night gala.
• Student Membership Annual student membership ($150 per academic year) offering 15% off afterschool clubs, early registration for select programs/events/travel, and eligibility for leader-in-training opportunities including junior apprentice status on summer trips.
• Monthly Membership Community Recurring monthly community membership tiers: The Listener ($10/mo), The Best Friend ($25/mo), The Main Character ($50/mo), The Hero ($100/mo), and The Superhero ($200/mo). Higher tiers include 15% off clubs and early registration benefits.

Quantifiable outcome

• 350+ pounds of fresh produce donated to Wilton Food Pantry
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Wilton Garden ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual partnership offering the Green Teens gardening program. Wilton Garden Club provides experienced gardeners to lead youth in designing, planting, maintaining, and harvesting vegetable gardens. Produce is donated to Wilton Food Pantry. Laurie Musilli and Pam Nobumoto coordinate the program and have received environmental stewardship awards for their work.
• Wilton Food PantryminorOthersRecipient of Green Teens program produce donations. Last growing season received 350 pounds of fresh organic produce for distribution to families in need.
• Wilton Senior CenterminorOthersRecipient of fresh floral arrangements created by Green Teens participants. 210 arrangements donated last season. Also receives arrangements for Wilton Commons.
• Wilton SafeRidescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent nonprofit organization operating from Trackside facility every Friday and Saturday night from 10pm-1:30am. Provides free safe rides home for Wilton students. Parent Coordinator is Karen Brophy. Contact: 203.834.CARE (2273). Trackside provides free space use.
• Spark Business AcademyminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvides instructors for summer programs including Aspiring Fashionista, Sports Management, Junior CEO's, and My First Food Truck. Programs held at Trackside facility.
• Derek 'Deek' DiedricksonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFormer HGTV & YouTube host (Relaxshacks) leading 2-day treehouse building workshop. Workshop results in treehouse donated to family in need through Circle of Care.
• Circle of CareminorOthersLocal nonprofit supporting families dealing with childhood cancer. Receives treehouse donations and backpack supply drive contributions from Trackside summer programs.
• Jessie's Girl (NYC Band)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerWorld's greatest tribute band to 80s music. Headlines Trackside spring benefit concert. Proceeds support Trackside operations and teen programs.
• The HUB CTminorOthersState-designated Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization serving Southwest Connecticut. Provides comprehensive mental health resources and suicide prevention information shared on Trackside Resources page.
• Your AcademicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides FREE in-person academic tutoring at Trackside on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons for students grades 6-12. Covers math, science, history, and other subjects. Virtual tutoring available for grades 3-12.
• Present CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWilton-based live music band performing at Rock the Night fundraiser and community scavenger hunt event. Local entertainment partner for adult fundraising events.
• Ambler FarmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal farm where teen leaders serve as apprentices and mentors. Will, a past teen leader, was apprentice since 2020 and mentor since 2021 at Ambler Farm.

Scale indicators7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Girls Inc. National nonprofit inspiring and supporting girls through afterschool programming, leadership development, and enrichment. Comparable in mission to empower youth, develop social skills, and offer safe social environments.
• YMCA of the USA: Nationwide community organization offering youth development, afterschool programs, summer camps, and teen leadership opportunities. Overlaps directly with Trackside's program mix, community-center delivery model, and teen-leader engagement approach.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: National youth mentoring nonprofit providing one-to-one mentoring relationships and youth development programs. Comparable in mission around youth empowerment, social skill development, and community-based service delivery.
• Police Athletic League (PAL): National network of youth-serving organizations providing afterschool programs, sports, leadership development, and safe social spaces for school-age youth in underserved communities. Comparable mission and program structure.
• 4-H (National Institute of Food and Agriculture): USDA-administered youth development network offering clubs, summer programs, leadership training, and community-service opportunities for school-age youth. Comparable in teen-led programming model and emphasis on civic engagement.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National federation of community-based youth clubs offering afterschool programs, leadership development, and enrichment for school-age children. Directly comparable in mission, target demographic (school-age youth), and club-based program model.
• After-School All-Stars: National nonprofit providing comprehensive afterschool programs to school-age youth, including academic support, enrichment, sports, and leadership development. Closely aligned in afterschool program model and target demographic.

Emerging players

• Spark Business Academy: Niche provider of summer entrepreneurship and business-focused youth programs (Fashion Design, Junior CEO, Food Truck). Provides curriculum/instructors to Trackside's summer Spark Academy offerings and competes for the same teen summer-enrichment dollars in the region.

Regional players

• Wilton Family YMCA: Local YMCA branch serving Wilton, CT with youth programs, camps, and afterschool care. Most geographically proximate direct competitor for Wilton families seeking youth enrichment programming.
• Ambler Farm: Wilton, CT-based nonprofit farm offering youth education programs, apprenticeships, and gardening/farming experiences. Directly comparable in Wilton geography, youth-gardening programming, and teen-apprentice model (Trackside teen leaders serve as Ambler Farm apprentices/mentors).

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/trackside
• Instagraminstagram.com/tracksideteencenter
• Xx.com/TracksideTeen
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/trackside-teen-center-o-fwilto

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Trackside Teen Center