From Youth Takeover Week to Trojan Time: How one student is creating connection at Kelly Walsh

When Natalie Owen signed up for Youth Takeover Week, she’ll be the first to admit her reasons weren’t lofty.

“It was about the money, kind of,” she said with a laugh. “I didn’t have a job at the time. My mom is connected with nonprofits and wanted me to do this. But then when I went, I realized this is actually cool.”

Youth Takeover Week was the most recent installment of the Trust’s participatory grantmaking initiatives. Between July 28-August 1, twenty-one Natrona County young people between the ages of 13-19 were selected through an application process to lead the grantmaking process – identifying existing third spaces to fund and reviewing applications for the planning of a new third space.

Natalie didn’t know any of the other participants when she walked in on day one, and as someone who describes herself as having “introverted energy,” she thought she’d sit quietly on the sidelines. Instead, she found herself energized by the experience — especially the chance to hear local nonprofits present their ideas. “I felt like I was on a board,” she said. “I really liked listening to their pitches.”

From listening to leading

One thing she heard again and again from her peers stuck with her: there’s nothing to do here for us.

“There are activities for little kids, and things for adults to do, but nothing for that in-between age,” she said, referencing herself and her peers.

The lack of opportunities for teens to gather and connect became the seed for a new idea.

At Youth Takeover Week, participants sketched out concepts for a new third space. Natalie, who has a talent for art, design, and marketing, designed a space she called “Down the Block” — a multi-purpose space for belonging and creativity. That early vision grew into something she’s now bringing to life at Kelly Walsh High School.

Recruiting the help of her friend Priscilla Morales Baca, Natalie is in the process of starting a new club at Kelly Walsh called “Trojan Time.” Unlike many existing clubs, Trojan Time is meant to be open to everyone — a hub for connection, fun, and community.

“Most clubs at school are really niche, and that impacts participation,” Natalie explained. “I wanted to create a space for anyone and everyone.”

She rattles off ideas for future events with a spark in her eye: silly Olympics with games like potato sack races, karaoke nights, a banquet of countries to share food and culture, and student-run flea markets. Some gatherings might be big and energetic; others will just be a chance to hang out and chill.

Building the foundation

Trojan Time isn’t fully up and running yet — but it’s close. Natalie and Priscilla are currently working to secure a teacher sponsor, possibly connect with the student council, and get buy-in from parents and school counselors. She’s already sketching flyers, building a website, brainstorming achievement badges, and mapping out ways to spread the word.

The goal: launch the first event this fall, start small, and build momentum.

Trusting youth

Underneath the event ideas is something bigger: a call for adults to see teens differently. “They think of youth as devious little raccoons,” Natalie said with a grin. “And yeah, some do that. But most of us are pretty chill and just want something to do. Trusting youth is the big thing. It felt freeing [at Youth Takeover Week], like I could actually share my stuff without being put off by another adult.”

Trojan Time is proof of what happens when that trust is given. From Youth Takeover Week to a high school club with big dreams, Natalie is showing that when young people are empowered, they don’t just find something to do — they create something new.