Over its 12 years, the KAYSC has evolved into one of the most admired museum-based youth programs in the country. The KAYSC was a charter member of YouthALIVE!, a national initiative of the DeWitt Wallace-Reader's Digest Fund and the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC). Through the national networking facilitated by YouthALIVE!, the KAYSC was widely acknowledged as a leader among museum programs for teens.
On December 4, 1997, a Certificate of Service was presented to the Science Museum of Minnesota in support of children and families in Frogtown. The award was presented by Frogtown's LEAP Forward for Children.
In 2000, the Science Museum of Minnesota - Youth Science Center - was awarded for enriching Frogtown with science. The award was presented by Frogtown's LEAP Forward for Children.
In 2007, the Learning Places Team was awarded the CommonBond Communities Housing Heroes award from the Joe Errigo Advantage Award.
On August 9, 2008, the Kitty Andersen Youth Science Center was recognized for their accomplishments in the St. Paul City Resolution: Through their hard work and determination, KAYSC seniors graduated with leadership, communication skills, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) experiences that will forever impact their lives and the lives of others.