Many writers toil away at their keyboards, hoping their work will someday be published. For a talented group of young Sacramento area authors, though, hope has become a reality thanks to a youth literacy program that empowers students.
Middle and high school students attending Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) programs hosted a release party today to celebrate the launch of their book, The Fat Flying Cow and the Melting Moon. The book is an anthology of essays and short stories the students authored under the guidance of 916 Ink, a non-profit organization that offers creative writing workshops to help unlock writing and literacy potential.
The student authors are enrolled in SCOE’s CARE Intervention Program at W. E. Mitchell and Folsom Middle Schools (Folsom Cordova USD), and Encina Preparatory High School (San Juan USD). CARE is a partnership between SCOE and local school districts. Many students served by the 7–12 grade program struggle with social anxiety and the pressure of navigating multiple classrooms. CARE classes provide a small, self-contained setting with individual student attention.
Through 916 Ink, students write fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction with help from staff and volunteers. The organization is funded in part by the Cultural Arts Award Program of the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, with support from the City and County of Sacramento.
Books featuring SCOE student work will be available for purchase from 916 Ink.