The IRISE (Intelligent, Resilient, Intellectual, Smart, Empowered) Literary and Creative Arts Academy
Help Children and Youth Become Published Authors, Journalist, Playwrights, Poets, or Songwriters
The IRISE Literary and Creative Arts Academy gives
youth the opportunity to go from aspiring writers to 
published authors,
journalist, novelists, poets, songwriters, playwrights, producers, graphics
novelists, cartoon artists, comic book writers and photographers The program
provides youths the opportunity to use
imagination, creativity, experiences, and critical thinking outside the box
through the literary and creative arts.
The program gives youth the opportunity
1. Improve reading and creative writing skills
2. Write a full-length novel, book, play, and other
literary and creative arts works.
3. Provide youth the opportunity to use imagination,
creativity, experiences, and critical thinking
outside the box to create their own masterpieces.
During the process youth write and create under the guidance of professional authors, journalists, playwrights, songwriters, poets, teachers and volunteer writing coaches. They consult with industry professionals about the design and publication of their work and receive first-hand advice from professionals in the field. This interaction allows them to foster relationships with theirs peers as well as professionals in the fields that serve as mentors and roles models who help them plan and set goals in their chosen career field. The professionals also serve as a resource for future reference.
THE IMPACT
Issue
Research has shown that students (especially disadvantaged, underserved students) often struggle in school with basic skills in reading, writing and math. The IRISE Literary and Creative Arts Academy is an outlet for youth to not only write and publish, but also to improve academic skills in reading and writing. Improvement in reading and writing positively impact and change youth attitudes toward school, motivate them to learn, and decrease the risk of school dropout.
What Has Been Done
EDEC conducted half day reading and writing literary and creative camps during the summer with an average attendance of 12 youth. EDEC wants to expand the timeframe into a week-long literary and creative arts camp to facilitate more youth. Youth who participated in the camp during the summer reported an improvement in reading and writing skills.
The Outcome
Youth Learn an Appreciation for Writing and Publishing
Youth gain an appreciation for writing and the amount of time, effort, and planning that goes into publishing.Youth also gain real-world experience by working on assignments that involve reading, developing critical thinking skills and writing. Youth also get the opportunity to work with professionals in the field.
Real-world assignments provide youth with experience working as authors, journalists, playwrights, songwriters, cartoon artists, comic book writers or producers. Professionals from the field have the opportunity to give back to the community by providing volunteer services and expertise to youth.
In addition (1) youth increase writing skills; (2) become real writers, authors and publishers; (3)have choice in what they are writing and publishing; (4) use creativity, interests and experiences to hone writing skills and improve writing scores; (5) engage in activities that help in the writing process; (6) increase their desire to write and (7) be exposed to a complete publication from the research stage to design and publication.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
What can your donations do to transform a mind and change a life. Help send a youth to Literary and Creative Arts Camp in June 2018.
Current Funding Needs
With your help, 25 youths who are interested in Literary and Creative Arts will be able to attend Summer Camp. Youths will have the opportunity to be exposed to real life experiences in the world of writing and producing from publishing books to producing plays and songs. Without your help it cannot be done. Only by working together can we make a difference in the lives of youth in our communities that need it the most. Estimated cost is $6250. Your contibutions will help us expand our resources and provide this program to more youth who can benefit from a program that will prepare them to become contributing members of society.
Here’s what your donation can provide:
$250 pays for summer camp $150 pays for lodging
$100 pays for publishing fees $75 pays for materials and supplies
$50.00 pays for tuition $5 - 25.00 sponsors a youth
Need further information or have questions? We are more than happy to help you and answer any questions. Contact Mary Miller, CEO at [email protected] or [email protected]
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