Programs
At BTS, we offer a range of programs that empower students, develop leadership skills, and engage young people in meaningful community work. Our programs combine academic growth with personal development, fostering well-rounded individuals ready to lead and make an impact. Explore our key programs below.
Newton's Thinkers
Newton’s Thinkers is BTS' flagship program, a dynamic, hands-on program emphasizing project-based learning, experiential learning, and targeted interventions. Through real-world challenges and interdisciplinary projects, students are encouraged to think critically, solve complex problems, and actively engage with their communities. The program integrates core subjects like STEM while also fostering personal growth through collaboration, leadership, and community engagement.
Key features of Newton’s Thinkers include:
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Project-Based Learning: Students tackle hands-on projects that challenge them to solve real-world problems using academic knowledge and creativity.
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Experiential Learning: Field trips, interactive labs, and community-based experiences bring academic concepts to life outside the classroom.
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Interventions & Support: Tailored academic interventions provide additional guidance and resources to help every student succeed.
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Interdisciplinary Approach: Projects span multiple subjects, helping students connect their learning to broader issues and opportunities.
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Community Focus: Students engage in projects that directly impact their local community, fostering civic responsibility and connection.
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Collaboration & Problem-Solving: Teamwork and communication are emphasized, promoting critical thinking and collective problem-solving.
Newton’s Thinkers equips students with academic and life skills, preparing them to thrive in their education and their communities.
A 21st Community Centers Learning Center (21st CCLC) program, Newton's Thinkers is currently offered out-of-school-time at four Prince George's County public schools:
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Beacon Heights Elementary
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Columbia Park Elementary
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District Heights Elementary
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Judge Woods Elementary
Youth Development
The Youth Development Initiative is a comprehensive program focused on building leadership, social-emotional learning (SEL), and life skills in young people. A key component of this initiative is the Train-the-Trainers model, where participants deepen their learning by teaching others. Through robust professional development and hands-on experience, students are trained to deliver services and lead educational activities for their peers, gaining real-world teaching experience.
In the Train-the-Trainers component, learners take on leadership roles, teaching and guiding younger students while reinforcing their own knowledge and skills. This model not only enhances their academic growth but also prepares them for future roles in education, mentorship, and community service. Supported by ongoing professional development, participants gain confidence and valuable experience in both teaching and leadership.
The initiative emphasizes self-awareness, resilience, and collaboration, helping students develop the confidence to pursue their goals and make a positive impact in their communities. Graduates of the Youth Development Initiative emerge as capable leaders, ready to inspire and educate others while contributing meaningfully to the world around them.
Let's Get Into Good Trouble Youth Leadership Conference
The Let’s Get Into Good Trouble Youth Leadership Conference is a youth-led event designed by and for young leaders who are passionate about creating positive change in their communities. Inspired by the powerful words of civil rights leader John Lewis, who famously said, “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble,” the conference encourages young people to take bold action for justice and equality.
Youth participants take the lead in every aspect of the conference, from planning to execution, ensuring the event speaks directly to their experiences, interests, and challenges. Through youth-driven workshops, keynote speakers, and collaborative projects, participants explore social justice, activism, and community service, learning how to become advocates for themselves and their peers.
The conference offers a unique opportunity for young people to own the conversations and initiatives that matter most to them. By the end, participants are not only inspired but equipped with the tools and confidence to make a lasting impact—continuing John Lewis’s legacy of "good trouble" in their communities and beyond.