Seattle Arts & Lectures believes that literacy and a love for writing is a life-long process that starts in our public schools and connects directly to our public stages. Through Writers in the Schools (WITS) and our Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) programs, SAL connects working professional writers with students and teachers to elevate and amplify the voices of students throughout the Puget Sound region.
Seattle Arts & Lectures’ Writers in the Schools (WITS) program places professional local writers in public elementary, middle, and high school classrooms, empowering young people to discover and develop their authentic writing and performance voices. Since 1994, the program has served over 100,000 students throughout the Puget Sound region.
The Youth Poetry Fellowship (YPF) is made up of young writers and leaders who are committed to poetry, performance, civic and community engagement, education, and equity across the Puget Sound Region. At community events throughout the year, Fellows share their powerful voices, leadership, and love of community.
SAL’s Spotlight Author program brings nationally renowned visiting writers to local K-12 public schools for free, one-time visits. These visits often have a powerful impact on the students and provide a valuable window into the life of a professional creative writer.