About:
Every student, no matter their background, has a story to share. We believe their voices should be heard.
Wasatch Writers in the Schools is a service learning program that fosters a relationship between the University of Utah and Title I public schools in Salt Lake County. Each semester, English graduate students visit middle school classrooms where they teach creative writing lessons. Graduate students work with these classrooms to help middle school students cultivate their creativity, find their voice through writing, and forge relationships between these students and the University of Utah.
In the spring, the University of Utah hosts a reading, celebration, and pizza party for participating students, where students can read and share their work and tour of campus.
In addition to working with graduate students, each year the University of Utah offers the class ENGL 5810: Writers in the Schools, which provides pedagogical and logistical support for undergraduates to teach creative writing classes in middle schools.
Wasatch Writers in the Schools is a new program to Salt Lake City, and we’re constantly growing. Started in 2016 by Tessa Fontaine, we have received generous support from Utah Humanities, University Neighborhood Partners, as well as the English and Creative Writing Department at the University of Utah.
Schools
Although we are hoping to expand our reach in Salt Lake County, we are currently working with Glendale Middle School and Bryant Middle School.