Established in 1990, Readers & Writers serves low-income populations that have limited access to writers and a diverse range of literary culture. Working with these groups, Readers & Writers aims to inspire both adults and children to read more regularly and more critically, and to encourage them to explore writers from various cultures and regions. Each year the program sends 60 authors and their books to literacy programs, community centers, schools, and other sites nationwide, reaching out to Americans who can read but may not have a relationship with literature.

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Our annual series of author readings, panels, and on-stage conversations designed to reach and teach high school students.

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Teens are nominated for the opportunity to work on creative writing skills under the guidance of professional writers and instructors, away from their accustomed school environment.

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We host workshops in which students work closely with authors to learn more about literature and the writing life.

We offer public schools complimentary tickets to PEN forums and events.

The 2008-09 Young Scholars and Literature series features established and emergent authors, in conversation and answering questions from student audiences. 

Personal Evolution, Social Revolution: A Program for High School Students
April 30, 2009 | Instituto Cervantes | New York City

With Edwidge Danticat, Dany Laferrière, Laila Lalami, and Colum McCann; moderated by Benjamin Anastas

Emerson said “every revolution was first a thought in one man’s mind.” For some writers, every thought committed to the page is an act of revolution. A panel of acclaimed authors considers how literature has liberated them and brought them into courageous dialogues with their own communities.

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Young Scholars and Literature events are offered to high school students accompanied by teachers or guardians. RSVP is required for admission.