Programs

Podium high school programs are designed not only to develop youth writing skills, but also to instill a genuine love of the written form. The high school programs meet on-site at Richmond public schools weekly or bi-weekly in 1-3 hour increments. During this time, youth are given the opportunity to expand their creative horizons through workshops pertaining to a variety of written forms, including poetry, college prep, and prose writing.

After youth feel confident in the work they’ve produced, they are encouraged to participate in a share-and-critique time in which they may present any piece of art, written or otherwise, on which they have been working. Thus, through these programs, Podium helps to build student confidence, writing proficiency, and comradery between peers of all walks of life.

Podium programs also give students the opportunity to be published in semi-annual ‘zines that are distributed within each program site and the annual literary journal that is distributed across the greater city of Richmond.

Podium middle school programs, Project Write Now!, partners with Higher Achievement and Middle School Renaissance 2020 to offer activities designed to show youth the value of writing in the modern world and help them to find their individual voices through fun, yet focused writing prompts. Programs meet on-site at middle schools throughout the city of Richmond. During these meetings, youth discuss ideas about identity, culture, and community while also learning the basics of several writing forms. Through Project Write Now!, youth writing is also published in a number of semi-annual ‘zines that are distributed within the program sites. Podium middle schoolers are also included in our most recent journals, including Journal 8 and Journal 9.

High school upperclassmen participate in a 5-week intensive summer internship that expands their skills in professional confidence. Teen leaders create writing workshops to facilitate within summer middle school community programs, developing skills in group dynamics and project management. WMP interns have mentored youth from The Peter Paul Development Center, taught workshops at the Full STEAM Ahead Conference, worked with middle schoolers at Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club , and more. This opportunity to mentor peers empowers teens as leaders and helps them discover their career passions and pathways to success.

This multi-day summer program, traditionally held at VCU Honors College, creates space for teen leaders from across Richmond to interact and engage in advanced writing workshops. Students practice critical thinking through writing workshops, advance group dynamic skills with breakout activities, and network with local professionals. Students connect their passions and skills in preparation for college and career.