The KVML Youth Writing program seeks to empower and amplify student voices by connecting them with mentors. Our programming seeks to honor Kurt Vonnegut’s legacy by promoting his love of the written word, breaking down the barriers of space and time to create physical and virtual spaces that are inspiring and inclusive, and emphasizing an empathetic approach to tutoring and student engagement. Above all, we aspire to be champions for all the young writers we serve and the communities we support.
The Vonnegut Youth Writing Centers mirror the college writing center model—promoting responsibility, self-discovery, relationship-building, and holistic writing growth. High school students receive one-on-one assistance, and writing tutors support a diverse range of writing tasks, including academic writing, college applications, job placement, civic advocacy, and creative self-expression.
Each center is run by a Writing Specialist who is supported by a team of Vonnegut Youth Writing Interns and volunteer tutors from the community (both in-person and virtual). The paid internships are available to any college student or community professional in the Indianapolis area. Anyone can apply to be a volunteer.
Young poets and storytellers have the opportunity to participate in after-school writing clubs, with a focus on social justice and empowerment. Creative work from our students at Shortridge High School, Kurt Vonnegut’s alma mater, is published in Reverberations, which exists as both an online zine and an annual print journal.
As part of our partnership with IPS, we have also established a new creative writing club at Crispus Attucks during the school day and are looking to develop programming at Arsenal Tech and George Washington.
KVML hosts specialized writing workshops for young writers of different age groups throughout the year—at KVML, virtual, and on-site with our community partners. In these workshops, authors, teachers and community partners encourage young people to engage in community and free expression, reflecting values that Kurt Vonnegut championed and that are an important part of his legacy.
The Vonnegut Youth Writing Center at SHS runs out of the Media Center inside the author’s alma mater and is open during each and every school day.
The second floor of KVML houses our second Writing Center space, open for field trips, writing clubs, and other workshops.
He was hired as a full-time writing specialist at Shortridge High School in 2018, where he also teaches Composition and Creative Writing. His poetry has appeared in Scoundrel Time, Cimarron Review, Passages North, PANK, and the anthologies It Was Written: Poetry Inspired by Hip-Hop and The Indianapolis Anthology. He is inspired by his family, including his wife and two sons.
Erin Brock is a dedicated educator and learner who is passionate about encouraging students to push their limits and become their best selves. She is an avid supporter of linguistic justice and diverse practices that encourage students of all backgrounds to grow and learn.
Carrie Gaffney is an Indianapolis-based writer and teacher, as well as a proud IPS graduate. In addition to her work at Tech, she is a member of the Learning for Justice Ambassador Collective and the Hoosier Writing Project. She believes in the creative genius of all students.
Rebecca Huehls is a lifelong learner and writer, teacher, and editor. She delights in encouraging all students to channel their interests and passions into their writing.
Brooklyn Raines is a poet and educator who is passionate about her students’ education and success. Born and raised in Indianapolis, she takes pride in giving back to her city and community through encouraging others to find their voices and love themselves.
When they see me, Will it be my intelligence Or the color of my skin? The sheer thought that My life could end before It …
Momma told me I was a flower child, But I had trouble believing it Because our garden bed felt like it was embedded with concrete …
If I had a kid, I would be there Like my father was. If I had a kid, I would run. If I found a …
Fourth grade was an important year. No settling into a new school for the first year or two. My whole family was now a part …
Support Kurt’s Legacy
Kurt Vonnegut Museum And Library 2017-2023 - All Rights Reserved | The Kurt Vonnegut Museum And Library Is A 501(C)(3) Private Nonprofit Organization.
Support Kurt’s Legacy
Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library 2017-2023 - All Rights Reserved | The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization.
Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library Volunteer Application
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