Story Lab, a storytelling and creative writing program for youth in Sitka, was just awarded the LRNG Educator Innovator Challenge grant. Run by the National Writing Project and John Legend’s “Show Me” Campaign, the competition selected a joint application between Story Lab and the Sitka School District from 164 applicants from all over the country; 10 other applicants were also awarded a $20,000 grant.
Story Lab is a program of the Island Institute, a Sitka-based organization which works to generate and share ideas, skills, and expressions to empower resilient coastal communities. The program offers in- and after-school storytelling and creative writing workshops to Southeast Alaskan youth ages 5-19. Story Lab was founded on the belief that experimenting with creativity through storytelling and creative writing strengthens students’ confidence, communication skills, and empathy. The workshops – which are free for families and schools – help students to express themselves with clarity, purpose, and imagination. In two years of the program, Story Lab has worked with 500 students in Sitka and Southeast.
With the LRNG grant for its third year, Story Lab will continue to offer in and after-school workshops, formalize the connection between Story Lab and the school district, and build capacity for new programs centered on storytelling, creative writing, and imaginative play. The program will also deepen its connections to Southeast communities outside Sitka, traveling to schools to run workshops and working remotely with students.
Story Lab Coordinator Sarah Swong said that the LRNG proposal had support from over 50 teachers, administrators from the Sitka School District, and local writers and artists, which conveyed their confidence in Story Lab as a thriving youth program for the community.
“I’ve seen students become braver, more open, and more supportive of each other through Story Lab,” Swong said. “Parents say that their kids love being at Story Lab, and teachers say we make students more excited to write than ever before. We are excited to have this funding to continue to innovate and deepen our partnerships with Sitka schools and the Southeast region.”
The LRNG grant supports “connected learning,” in which students create and experiment with hands-on activities and learning in school, at home, and in the community. This year, LRNG challenged teacher-led teams to partner with out-of-school educators to create educational experiences that expand the possibilities for learning in schools.
For more information on Sitka Story Lab, visit www.iialaska.org or call 747-3794.
