A Transformative Approach to Literacy and Media Education

YURWI (Youth Urban Reading & Writing Initiative) is an alternative approach to literacy and learning created with the commitment to empower and provide a pathway for individuals between the ages of four and twenty-four to realize their greatest potential in reading, writing, critical thinking, and media literacy. The focus is to highlight and understand the generational gap in digital literacy, where there exists an imbalance in the skills required alongside the toolsets that are traditionally offered in education. YURWI proposes to consider this equity. 

What do we do? YURWI has the mission of increasing the literacy levels of underresourced teens and young adults through creative writing, media literacy, mentorship, and fundraising for incarcerated youth. The program offers a wide range of programs, workshops, and community service events designed to boost literacy and critical thinking skills, specifically creative writing, and media literacy. Students, youth organizations, and the community are geared toward maximizing engagement and creating lasting change for the better.

At YURWI, excellent experiences will elevate the literacy levels of participants who are at urban priorities, through word-building and storytelling experiences. These are complemented by interactive activities, Socratic seminars, and literacy circles that explore real-life issues affecting underserved communities. We also provide media literacy education, which is capable of analyzing and understanding content in various media forms, in order to develop the critical thinking skills needed to become more engaged citizens. YURWI offers much-needed additional services, such as mentorship programs, fundraisers, and outreach to incarcerated youth, through which they are able to provide emotional support, educational support, and resources.

In summary, the YURWI program is tailored toward urban students who face unique learning challenges. The curriculum is designed for young adults, who struggle with traditional literacy programs and lack exposure to materials that resonate with their interests and lifestyles. Through an alternative approach that uses creative writing and media literacy activities, the program seeks to build stronger literacy skill levels and media literacy, which will in turn contribute to better critical thinking skills.