By Arianna Ross | Founder & CEO
In the past three months, Story Tapestries has had the privilege of working with both young poets and adult writers—supporting them in finding their voices and sharing their stories with confidence. Through our Learning Full STEAM Ahead programs, participants are connecting science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through hands-on learning and reflective writing experiences. From middle school students stepping onto the stage to community members exploring the legacy of Langston Hughes, these programs are helping participants build literacy, creativity, and critical thinking skills that will last a lifetime.
For years, Story Tapestries has worked with learners from age 3 to 105, using the arts to strengthen literacy and communication. Many of our programs are rooted in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), where research, creativity, and reflection come together through writing. At their core, both literacy and STEAM experiences are about empowering individuals to think critically, express themselves, and engage meaningfully with the world.
Lifting Youth Voices Through Poetry
On March 14th, we partnered with The Civic Circle for a powerful annual event where middle school students shared their original poetry. Watching students step up and take the stage—many for the first time—was a moving reminder of the importance of creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.
These moments are not just performances—they are milestones. Each poem reflects a young person discovering their voice and building the confidence to share their perspective with others.
Watch a student poetry event here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwKH5eIJAoA
“I, Too, Am America”: Finding Voice Through Legacy
At the same time, we concluded the “I, Too, Am America” project, a series of workshops led by poets and spoken word artists. Inspired by the work of Langston Hughes, participants explored themes of identity, justice, and belonging—culminating in a public poetry slam featuring both community members and professional writers.
As poet and Literary Journal Editor Regie Cabico reflects:
“The world may not be sturdy, but poetry will hold us up.”
Through this project, participants engaged deeply with Hughes’ work—Let America Be America Again, The Kids Will Die, and As I Grew Older—and created original pieces that speak to both personal experience and shared humanity. In a time often marked by uncertainty, this work creates space for courage, reflection, and connection.
Amplifying Voices Through Publication
To extend the impact of this work, we launched the first edition of the Amplify US Literary Journal, featuring poems written by project participants. This publication ensures that these voices are not only heard in the moment, but shared more widely—building understanding, empathy, and community.
Explore the Amplify US Literary Journal:
https://storytapestries.org/story-tapestries-literary-journal/
We are deeply grateful to Jessica Wallach, Assistant Editor and Production Manager, and to Regie Cabico for serving as Editor and Curator of the journal.
A Voice in Their Own Words
One participant, Soo-Jin Lee, beautifully captures the heart of this work:
Ode to My Family (excerpt)
I am America,
daughter to
immigrant parents,
who dreamed a dream
that one day
we’d be wrapped
in wealth,
but really, love
…
Continue reading the full poem:
https://storytapestries.org/soo-jin-lee/
Because of You
These stories and creative works are more than individual expressions—they are living examples of what your support through GlobalGiving makes possible.
From young poets finding their voice to adult writers reclaiming and reshaping powerful narratives, each project reflects Story Tapestries’ commitment to building literacy, creativity, and community through the arts. Whether through STEAM-integrated learning, public performances, or publications like the Amplify US Literary Journal, these programs nurture confidence, critical thinking, and connection across generations.
Because of you, participants are not only developing as writers and thinkers—they are stepping forward as storytellers of their own lives, helping to shape a more empathetic and connected world.
Thank you for being part of this work.
*Participants have consented to name use.
Links:
By Arianna Ross | Founder & CEO
By Lorienne Beals | Vice President of Story Tapestries, Inc.
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