Westside Writing Project will formally incorporate news literacy lessons and activities into its curriculum allowing students who are new to media production to also become exposed to fundamental concepts of news literacy.It will partner with area schools and community centers to bring these activities to area students.

About Us

The Westside Writing Project (WWP) is a youth enrichment program that works to expand the realm of opportunities for area students by providing exposure, guidance and support in areas of digital media and journalism.

WWP’s mission is to provide positive youth development by using writing, digital media and journalism as tools for civic engagement, as well as individual and community transformation. Ultimately, our organization gives urban youth from underserved neighborhoods—neighborhoods often dismissed in mainstream media as rife with only drugs, crime, and violence—a distinct voice. We are subtly shifting the lens of media and the look of typical media reporters to demonstrate that youth from at-risk neighborhoods facing critical social and economic challenges have unique perspectives and can deliver those perspectives to broader audiences.

Impact

• WWP will develop at least 3 new community partners by end of calendar year
• WWP will host an open house in May 2014 at our new location in Austin
• WWP will serve as a West Side learning center in areas of news literacy/digital media the 2014 Chicago City of Learning Initiative
• WWP will work with local universities to develop a formal internship program for college students

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