916 Ink

Organization Description

Since 2011, 916 Ink has led the effort to promote youth literacy in Sacramento by empowering youth voice. We have published more than 85 books, serving more than 3,300 young authors in the Sacramento region.
916 Ink's curriculum asks students to reflect upon their own "hero's journey," which is a mode of storytelling meant to explore how one individual can play different roles in life. By encouraging students to write about their own journey, students begin to see the different facets of their identity and can create a story that positions them as the hero of their own lives.

In our workshops, students become part of their own writing community where they write together, share their work, and give and receive positive feedback.

Data shows that a 916 Ink workshop increases self confidence, heals trauma, and teaches empathy, listening, and literacy skills. Our safe environment provides youth a place for expression teaches them to "take the yes," a motto created to help youth silence their inner critics.

Through creative writing workshops in partnership with public schools, probation, group homes, non profit organizations, libraries, and community centers, 916 Ink students generate writing (prose, poetry, and creative non-fiction) using varied writing prompts and reading samples that spark the imagination.

During the revision process, students work with professional volunteer writers and editors to polish their work for publication in an anthology featuring pieces from each writer in the workshop. Students choose a title for their book and collaborate with a graphic designer to create the book cover. Each student receives two copies of the anthology and they can share this success with friends, families, and fans at a book release party where students are invited to read their work before an audience.

Program Information

Our Purpose and Process
916 Ink's curriculum asks students to reflect upon their own "hero's journey," which is a mode of storytelling meant to explore how one individual can play different roles in life. By encouraging students to write about their own journey, students begin to see the different facets of their identity and can create a story that positions them as the hero of their own lives. 

In our workshops, students become part of their own writing community where they write together, share their work, and give and receive positive feedback.

Data shows that a 916 Ink workshop increases self confidence, heals trauma, and teaches empathy, listening, and literacy skills. Our safe environment provides youth a place for expression teaches them to "take the yes," a motto created to help youth silence their inner critics.

Through creative writing workshops in partnership with public schools, probation, group homes, non profit organizations, libraries, and community centers, 916 Ink students generate writing (prose, poetry, and creative non-fiction) using varied writing prompts and reading samples that spark the imagination. 

During the revision process, students work with professional volunteer writers and editors to polish their work for publication in an anthology featuring pieces from each writer in the workshop. Students choose a title for their book and collaborate with a graphic designer to create the book cover. Each student receives two copies of the anthology and they can share this success with friends, families, and fans at a book release party where students are invited to read their work before an audience. 

Health & Safety
Address 
3301 37th Ave., Room 14
Sacramento, CA 95824
United States
General Phone 
(916) 826-7323
Website:
https://www.916ink.org/
Program(s) 
Service Learning
Academic Internships
Hospitality and Tourism Mgmt.
Recreation Administration
Organization type 
Educational Services, Training or Consulting (Nonprofit)
Focus Population(s)
Non-specific/any population
Focus Area(s)
Education