WE WRITE HERE

wewritehere.com

This project was created in 2018 after I left ~10 years of K-12 teaching. I created a writing platform from scratch for middle and high school students in Oakland, CA that now publishes and awards ($25 gift card for books) youth from all over the world. Writing is there on the website for all to read.

CHALLENGE

Provide a better way for students to have their writing recognized, awarded and shared. Encourage students to write more and create a platform for all to access and read.

STRATEGY | PROCESS

I developed the website from scratch and set up a submission system. I communicated with schools and educators to get the word out. This project started in Oakland, CA, and is now open to students in any location. Awarded writing now includes international locations as well. I worked on all UX/UI development. I now award writing every season and maintain a monthly email. This project is run primarily solo and by volunteer efforts. Supporters help fund awards with small donations.

SOLUTION

I created and set up a submission system and website that is clear, simplified, and easy to use. Writing submissions are ongoing and accepted anytime.

SUPPORTERS/AWARDS

Oakland Public Libraries, Bay Area Writing Project, UC Berkeley Graduate School of Education, Chapter 510, and more…

Open.IDEO, Wharton ReImagine Design Awards.

(Coordinated with all the above organizations to support the work)

RESULTS:

  • Over ~1.5+ student essay submissions, ~250+ awarded

  • Awarded by Open IDEO for the Education (re)Open Award

  • Shortlisted for “Best Online Program Award” by Wharton- ReImagine Education

"Open, honest expression of ideas and feelings is the soul of individual awareness and the foundation for genuine, fearless interrelationship. It needs to be encouraged, recognized, and rewarded." - L.Reh

“I'm so happy to have my work published and recognized. It means so much to me. This inspires me to keep writing.” Hazel Grace

Supporters and sponsors of the project page

Each awarded story gets an illustration when published

USER RESEARCH RECOMMENDATIONS

Gathered user feedback in both formal and informal modes. I always remain curious about how to better serve the students and educators using the platform. Readers outside of education have also been some of the best advocates for the website/project.

  • Suggested to have images linked with the stories and aligned above the writing

  • Illustrations are intentionally quick, simple, and imperfect to keep the focus on the writing

  • Generated surveys to awarded students to gather data about listing writing awards on applications, writing support, etc.

  • Partner with local organizations for events, in-person tutoring, etc.

UX Writing on FAQ page explaining the selection process to students/teachers.

Platform is open for all to read and youth can submit their writing anytime. Communication goes out quarterly to the community when new awards are given.