Wordstock believes that every kid’s a writer, which is why we focus our programs on K-8 graders, their families and their teachers. Because even though Portland is one of the most literary cities in the world, only 52% of Portland Public Schools 7th graders met writing standards in 2009-2010 — the only milestone to experience a decline from the previous year. Across Oregon, the percentage of 4th graders meeting or exceeding writing standards also dropped — 3 points from 2009-2010 to 2010-2011.

Please help us keep the Wordstock Festival free to kids 13 and under.

Your gift could change a life. You could inspire a third-grader, like one of Sam Leach’s students, to learn to write. Sam brought his third-grade class and their families to the 2011 Wordstock Festival to discover what it’s like to be a published writer. You can see them behind the scenes with Pseudonymous Bosch in our video.

P.S. To learn more about Wordstock’s year-round education programs, directed by our Give!Guide cover girl, Rachel Sokolow, please visit the education section of the website.

Thank you for supporting Wordstock!