Fostering a Love for Literacy
Through Publishing & Exploration
Countdown to a celebration!
Come meet the incredible young authors who completed our very first program: the Spring 2025 cohort! It will be an evening full of creativity, hors d'oeuvres, and a celebration of these talented writers as they unveil the very first printed copies of their books!
April 3rd, 2025 @ 6pm-8pm
@ Bookmarks
634 W 4th St #110, in downtown Winston-Salem
More than a youth literacy program.
Writing, Publishing, Creative Industry Career Exploration and Entrepreneurship
What we do
NC EmpowerUp is a North Carolina 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to empower individuals in our local communities with programs that enhance education, skill-building, and access to essential community resources.
Our Early Scribes program is designed to boost reading proficiency by helping participants develop strong literacy skills through our custom curriculum. They'll learn the art of storytelling, harness their unique voices, and collaborate with illustrators to create and publish their own books. This process not only enhances their reading abilities but also cultivates a lasting love for reading and writing.
The cohort will meet lived experience speakers who will introduce jobs in creative industries that revolve around literacy, expanding their future career possibilities. Additionally, participants will receive foundational training in entrepreneurship, learning how to create a marketing and sales plan for their book that they can implement right away.
Early Scribes offers a place for young creatives. It is ideally suited for students in grades 6 to 8. Program sessions are held at community centers and libraries conveniently located near the communities we serve, ensuring that location is never a barrier to participation. Each session is actively promoted within the community, providing details on how to apply and information about the course. We welcome applications from parents on behalf of their children, as well as referrals from schools and other community organizations. Applications are carefully reviewed, and a cohort of 10-12 students is selected for each session.
"...if something is challenging to a reader, one of the most accessible paths to overcoming that challenge is through writing."
- Colleen Cruz
Author of teacher titles like "Writers Read Better: Nonfiction" (July 2018) and "Writers Read Better: Narrative & The Unstoppable Writing Teacher."
Creative Writing Curriculum
Advised by a team of experienced educators, our custom writing curriculum is specifically designed to increase reading proficiency. It blends book coaching techniques with the NC DPI's Standard Course of Study for English Language Arts to strengthen literacy skills and enhance reading comprehension.
Planning, Writing, Editing, Illustrating
Our publishing experts guide students through every step, from drafting to publishing, resulting in participants leaving as published authors of a book-store-shelf-worthy book.
Creative Career Exploration
Lived experience guest speakers introducing jobs in creative industries that revolve around literacy such as copy writers, illustrators, music and film producers, content creators, and beyond.
"Writing early and constantly, in and out of school, is a powerful lever for helping our students learn to read profoundly."
- Pam Allyn
Scholastic Education's Senior VP, a literacy expert, author, and speaker, Founder of LitWorld, a global organization promoting literacy
*Average grade level and CCR proficiency in reading for grades 6-8 according to North Carolina Department of Public Instruction,
2024 DPIA Accountability & Testing
A huge thank you to our main characters whose partnership and support
help make our literary adventures possible!
