Tree Street Youth Named Wes Bonney Award Winner for 2025

November 14, 2025

Tree Street Youth, a 14-year-old Lewiston nonprofit serving more than 1,000 young people annually - from pre-K through high school-will receive the prestigious Weston L. Bonney Education Leadership Award for 2025, Educate Maine announced.

Tree Street, founded in 2011 by a Bates College student as a summer and homework-help initiative, has evolved into a year-round hub of youth-centered programs and partnerships encouraging leadership, learning, exploration and growth. The programs-at no cost to families-emphasize safety (physical, emotional and identity-based) and unity across differences. Sixty-five percent of participants are from immigrant or refugee families. The families served speak 23 languages.

"We are deeply humbled to receive the Wes Bonney Award," said Julia Sleeper, Tree Street's co-founder and executive director. "It is truly a testament to what's possible when schools, families, and community organizations come together with a shared purpose. This award reminds us that our greatest successes come from listening to and investing in young people. Tree Street Youth is honored to be recognized for work that our youth lead every single day and is proud to stand alongside so many partners dedicated to lifting up the future generations."

Tree Street's work with Lewiston Public Schools to co-create Next STEP High School is especially powerful. Next STEP High is a collaborative program designed to Lewiston re-engage off-track and disengaged students. They piloted Next STEP in 2019 and had 27 graduates in the first three years. The program is now located in the former Longley Elementary School right across from the Tree Street Youth.

Tree Street hires staff members whose backgrounds and lived experience are familiar to participants. Among its programs, which seek to foster equitable outcomes, are a college access and career prep project for high school students; after-school enrichment and mentorship; and a leadership initiative for middle and high school youth. A planned new center will support families with wellness, financial literacy and early childhood education.

"Tree Street Youth offers life-changing support and opportunities to so many students and families," said Jason Judd, Ed. D., executive director of Educate Maine. "The staff have worked tirelessly to make sure their students graduate high school prepared for success in postsecondary education and in the workforce."

The award will be presented at the annual Education Symposium on Dec. 12.

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