Writing is more than just putting words on a page—it’s about discovering new ways to express what matters to you. Our writing pathways explore writing from all angles, using different methods and projects to help you find your voice and hone your skills. From essays and oral history to poetry and multimedia projects, you’ll learn to write with clarity, confidence, creativity, and a commitment to socially engaged practice.
At the core of our program is the idea that writing is a social practice. This means we focus on how writing interacts with the world around us—how it can reflect, critique, and even change society. Whether through personal storytelling or analyzing social issues, your writing will engage with real-world ideas and conversations.
Our writing practice involves reading a wide range of materials to inspire your work, including graphic novels, music, poetry, short stories, films, creative nonfiction essays, journalism, and longer texts. These readings will help you think critically about the world and offer new ways to approach your writing.
Our pathways are designed for young people ages 12 and older, and we also offer programs, like our Poetics Pathway, that are open to all ages—including adults wanting to deepen their writing practice. Whether you're just starting or looking to take your writing further, there’s a pathway for you.
The Workshop provides the freedom to try new things, build your writing skills, and express yourself in ways that matter to you. Here are some of the ways you can explore writing at The Workshop:
From Essays to Expression
You’ll start by learning how to craft essays that go beyond basic structure. We’ll help you move from paragraphs to full, thoughtful pieces that express what’s important to you. This is where you’ll find your voice and learn how to write with depth and purpose.
Writing to the World Around You
Writing isn’t just about books or schoolwork. We’ll show you how your words can connect to music, movies, lived experiences, and even unexpected moments—like a subway ride, a walk through a corn maze, or a conversation with friends. You’ll learn how to turn everyday experiences into powerful writing.
Beyond the Page: Multimedia Projects
Who says writing has to live only on paper? In this part of the program, you’ll get the chance to create projects that go beyond traditional writing. Whether it’s a video, a podcast, or something else entirely, you’ll see how writing can combine with other forms of storytelling—sound, visuals, and more.
Oral History and Storytelling
Interested in documenting real stories? You can choose to learn oral history interviewing techniques, how to write and remix those interviews, and even contribute to the Young People’s Archive. This is your chance to turn voices into history and see how your storytelling can become part of a larger archive.
Poetry Pathway with Award-Winning Documentary Poet Mark Nowak
In this Poetry Pathway, you’ll collaborate with award-winning documentary poet Mark Nowak, known for his socially engaged approach to poetry. Mark’s work combines poetry with critical inquiry, using verse to document lived experiences and explore real-world events. In this pathway, you’ll learn how to transform personal stories, historical moments, and societal issues into compelling poetry that speaks to the complexities of the world around us.
This pathway is ideal for writers interested in using poetry as a tool for social critique and reflection. Whether you’re new to poetry or have experience, you’ll discover how your writing can connect with broader cultural and political conversations guided by a poet committed to making a meaningful impact through art.
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