Neutral Zone

Mission: To be a transformative, youth-driven community where youth embrace their power, ignite their creativity, and launch their future to build equity, justice, and collective liberation.

Neutral Zone is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are a diverse, youth-driven teen center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, dedicated to empowering young people through creative expression, leadership opportunities, and community engagement. We provide a safe and inclusive space where teens can explore their passions, develop new skills, and connect with peers. Through music, art, writing, and leadership programs, we support youth in building confidence, independence, and a strong sense of belonging. Our youth-driven approach ensures that teens have a voice in shaping their experiences, fostering personal growth, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.

We have drawn on our more than 20 year experience to develop a “youth-driven” philosophy that rests on three core practices:

1. Tapping teens’ intrinsic motivation
2. Supporting teens’ developmental needs; and
3. Fostering genuine partnerships between adults and youth.

At Neutral Zone, we provide a welcoming and inclusive space for teens to explore their creativity, develop leadership skills, and build meaningful connections. Through a variety of programs offered each year in music, visual arts, writing, performance, and social justice, we empower young people to express themselves and make a positive impact in their communities.  In addition to the drop-in and free tutoring after school, the Neutral Zone offers more than 20 programs in the areas of Education, Literary Arts, Community Leadership, Music and the Visual Arts.

However, the Neutral Zone is just not a place. It is the sum total of all of the teens who come through its doors. Their energy, creativity, passion and ideas, shape and direct our programs and activities.