A year ago, two little characters officially entered the world.

Astra and Zeke began as simple illustrations, created to give a young nonprofit a recognizable face. We thought they would be mascots.

Instead, they grew into the heartbeat of our mission.

Today, they remind us of the world we’re working to build: one that is truly by kids, for kids. A world where children aren’t told to wait until they’re older to make a difference, but are trusted with real opportunities to lead, create, and change their communities today.

That philosophy has shaped every decision we’ve made this past year.

Because of Astra and Zeke, we published our very first children’s book, introducing families to the idea that leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy don’t have to wait until adulthood.

For the past 24 weeks, they’ve also invited families into meaningful conversations through our Ignite. Empower. Lead. Family Challenges. Around kitchen tables, in grocery stores, and during car rides, ordinary moments have become opportunities for children to practice leadership, solve problems, make financial decisions, and think like entrepreneurs.

This spring, our young business owners gained something many adults never experience: a permanent retail space. Thanks to our partnership with Generations Antiques & Artisans, SoCE students can display and sell products in a real storefront. There is something incredibly special about watching a child find their own product on a shelf and realize, “I built this.”

We’re also looking ahead to an exciting fall. This September and again in November for Child Entrepreneurs Day, we’ll welcome dozens of young business owners to our Children’s Business Fairs. Every booth represents more than a business. It represents courage, creativity, perseverance, and a child willing to share an idea with the world.

On August 1, SoCE begins another exciting chapter as we move into an incredible new classroom at Learning Lab Wichita. Having a dedicated home means more room for classes, more opportunities for collaboration, and more children discovering what they’re capable of when they’re trusted with meaningful work.

Behind the scenes, we’re building one of the projects we’ve dreamed about for years: COPPA-compliant websites designed specifically for child entrepreneurs. Before the end of the year, children will have a safe way to showcase their businesses online while giving parents the oversight and peace of mind they deserve.

This year also proved that our programs work.

Our pilot classes at Learning Lab exceeded every expectation, leading to three new entrepreneurship classes during the 2026-2027 school year. Watching students gain confidence, identify problems worth solving, and launch ideas has been one of the greatest joys of this journey.

Even more exciting, we received grant funding to expand beyond Sedgwick County. Soon, children in rural Kansas will have access to the same opportunities to develop leadership skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and financial literacy through hands-on experiences in their own communities.

When I first imagined Astra and Zeke, I thought they would simply help children enjoy a story.

Instead, they’ve helped shape an entire movement.

Every class we teach.

Every book we publish.

Every family challenge we write.

Every business fair we host.

Every partnership we build.

Every child we encourage.

It all comes back to one simple belief:

Children are capable of far more than we often give them credit for.

When we stop asking children what they want to be when they grow up and start asking what difference they want to make today, incredible things happen.

Happy Birthday, Astra and Zeke.

Thank you for reminding us, every single day, why this work matters.

Here’s to another year of empowering children to lead, create, and build a better future, one idea at a time.

After all, this has never been about two characters.

It’s always been about the children who see themselves in them.