Lights, camera, action! Last night on WGVU, the CYC promoted its positive role in Grand Rapids. Our program manager, Brianne Carpenter, appeared on last night’s Mutually Inclusive to discuss our organization’s goals with Mariano Avila. Brianne explained how the CYC functions as a nonprofit to educate the youth of Grand Rapids in creative writing, and our very own student, Alanna, performed one of her poems for the cameras. Watch the video here! (The CYC clip begins at 8:37.)
We’re proud of our young author for taking the stage with her poetry. Alanna attends Amplify, the CYC’s program for middle school women, and has been with us for three years. This talented sixth-grade student presented a personal poem about self-identity. Again, watch the clip to see her awesome performance!
In conversation with Mariano Avila, Brianne explained how our programming is free to all students attending Grand Rapids Public Schools and living in Grand Rapids. The CYC receives funding from grants and private donors so students like Alanna can experience the power of creative writing. (Want to donate or see how you can help us out?)
“Our mission is to amplify student voices,” Brianne said. “One of the ways we do that is by publishing an anthology of student work. We’re getting ready to release our sixth Book of Explosions this May.”
Brianne told Mariano about our collaboration with other organizations in the community, such as Triumph Music Academy. Students at Triumph wrote music to accompany CYC-student poems, which will appear on an album in May. We’ll be sure to let you know when the album and the Book of Explosions are released so you can get your hands on a copy of each!
We’re grateful for the opportunity to take one of our students to a larger stage, especially alongside other admirable organizations like WMCAT, The Diatribe, and 61syx. Check out these organizations to learn about more ways you can contribute to our community!