Application deadline: May 13, 2016

What is the Lawrence Student Writers Workshop all about?

An intensive three-week summer program, the Lawrence Student Writers Workshop (LSWW) is designed to help middle school students learn to write more expressively and discover the joys and rewards of writing in all its forms. Students also participate in multimedia projects that involve art, music, theatre, photography, and more.

During the course of this unique program, all students become more competent and confident writers, artists, and communicators. This year’s theme:
Lawrence…Home to Me

Free bus transportation is provided to and from the Lawrence History Center, where the workshop is run in collaboration with Andover Bread Loaf, a Phillips Academy outreach program. “Rising Loaves” is the nickname for this middle school program.

Who can participate?
Lawrence students entering grades 5 through 7 are encouraged to apply.

What happens at the workshop?

Students learn and engage in various forms of writing, including poetry, narrative, and memoirs. As part of an enthusiastic community of writers, they will work individually and in groups to:

• Create a student anthology
• Learn how to create spoken word and performance poetry
• Interact with historical objects and documents in the LHC archive
• Experience placed-based learning in the Essex Company complex and on walking tours in the
  downtown and North Canal historic districts
• Engage in arts and multimedia projects
• Prepare a final exhibition to present their work in a community forum

Time also is allotted for lunch, drama, and a variety of special activities.

Who leads the workshop?
Talented writers from local high schools and colleges are trained to serve as Writing Leaders and mentors, providing individual assistance and encouragement to student writers. Many Writing Leaders work with teachers in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms during the school year.

The LSWW also features guest writers and workshops led by award-winning writers and teachers of writing.

How much does the workshop cost?
The workshop is free of charge. All LSWW costs and fees—including tuition, field trip transportation, writing and art supplies, lunch, and entertainment—are covered by the Lawrence History Center and contributions from individuals, foundations, and the summer food program through Lawrence Public Schools.

Program awards and recognition
The LSWW has been featured in numerous local articles and broadcasts and was the subject of a national PBS television broadcast. ABL also has received several awards, including a National Council of Teachers of English award as a Center of Excellence in the Language Arts, and has been recognized in letters of commendation from esteemed educator Theodore Sizer and South African anti-apartheid activist Walter Sisulu.

Summer 2016 Program Schedule
The 2016 Lawrence Student Writers Workshop will take place at the Lawrence History Center from Tuesday, July 5, to Friday, July 22. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Roundtrip bus transportation is provided at no cost to students.

The student workshop runs in conjunction with the ABL Writing Workshop for Teachers, offering numerous opportunities for students and teachers to share writing and codevelop curricula for the upcoming school year.

For more information
Please contact Susan Grabski, LHC executive director, at 978-686-9230 or director@lawrencehistory.org.

[Click here to download program brochure]
Application deadline: May 13, 2016