Raising Writers
Elementary Poetry Workshops
Raising Writers hosts in-school Elementary Poetry Workshops for 4th and 5th graders at Cherry Knoll, Cortade, Blair, Traverse Heights, and Manistee elementary schools. In these workshops, students spend a month writing and revising their own original poems. Additionally, they read and analyze published poems, learning techniques such as the use of imagery, repetition, turns, and metaphor. These workshops culminate with reading and the publication of a poetry chapbook and for each student to bring home and share with their loved ones.
Battle of the Books
Now in its 11th year, Battle of the Books is perhaps our most popular program! Every year, some 300 4th and 5th graders across Northern Michigan compete in quizzes and zany challenges to show off their team work, close reading skills, and creativity. One of the bestselling authors from the Battle of the Books book list arrives on Battle Day to serve as a master of ceremonies, speak with the participants, sign books and inspire a new generation of writers.
College Essay Writing Classes and Scholarship
Students in Northern Michigan in the 11th and 12th grades are eligible for our life-changing class, The College Essay: Tell Your Story. In this class, students are able to get all of their college application questions answered and receive one-on-one college essay writing coaching from an expert, entirely for free. Additionally, all 11th and 12th graders in the five county region are eligible to apply for our writing scholarships. We now award first and second place scholarships in four categories, Fiction, Nonfiction, Journalism and Poetry. Since 2010, we have awarded $84,000 in scholarships to 62 students, in partnership with the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation.
