Project OverviewProject Overview

By: Ron Wilbanks

The Write-Link Outreach Project

Project ReviewProject Review

The Write-Link: Careers in the Writing World

Introduction

Research

Goals

Target Audiences

Output Objectives

Results

Conclusions

Next Steps

Write-Link IntroductionWrite-Link Introduction

1. People from several different positions, internal and external to the university, are coming together to make this program work.

2. Utilizes the talents and knowledge of EMU’s English department faculty and the input of higher level undergrad students in the public relations and technical writing fields.

3. Key to the program’s success are faculty from the two high schools and finally are the students themselves.

Write-Link ResearchWrite-Link Research

Gathered information from EMU’s Marketing Dept. regarding logo regulations.

Conducted extensive research of similar programs offered at other universities.

Write-Link Research 2Write-Link Research 2

University of Iowa outreach programs:UI Pen Pal PartnershipIowa Summer Writing FestivalHigh School Student WorkshopIowa Young Writers’ Studio*

Write-Link Research 3Write-Link Research 3

IOWA YOUNG WRITERS' STUDIOJune 22-July 5 and July 13-26, 2003

Write-Link Goals Write-Link Goals

1. Increased awareness and growth of the Write-Link program:

– Developed programming ideas– Rewards– Created program theme which focused

on “growth,” “hope,” and “opportunity.”

2. Introduced the program to targeted University faculty and departments.

3. Obtained funding.

Write-Link Target Write-Link Target AudiencesAudiences High school students: 16-18 years old; junior or

senior status in upcoming school year. English teachers: primarily Washtenaw and Jackson

county high schools; provide link between the students and EMU’s English Dept.

Parents: assured that the program is a very safe, highly professional and extremely beneficial event for their son or daughter.

Consult the Write-Link Client proposal.

FOR MORE INFO...

Write-Link Target Write-Link Target AudiencesAudiences Benefits to students looking to participate

are obvious:– Gives them a vision and grasp of the careers

available to them.– Offers them help and support. – Exposes them to the courses and programs

offered at Eastern Michigan University.– Being fortunate enough to take part in the

program, students will be taking the first step down a road of success and opportunity.

Write-Link Target Write-Link Target AudiencesAudiences

Benefits to parents are long term:– Helps propel their children to establish

long-term career goals.– Allows them to examine the writing

programs offered to their sons or daughters at EMU.

– Allows them to meet the English Dept., staff and ask questions about the program.

Write-Link Output Write-Link Output ObjectivesObjectives Established a unique and attention getting

name: “Write-Link.” “Link” stands for the bond students could form with other students and the staff of Eastern Michigan University.

Designed, with the help of Dr. David Gore, a program logo.

Created an internal pitch presentation. Developed a press release for prospective

high schools. Created public service announcements.

Write-Link Results Write-Link Results

First time EMU’s English Dept., has offered a program like this.

Program brings together diverse audiences of teachers, counselors, principals, students, and the community.

Five-day event with different modules each day gives students exposure to a diverse and challenging learning environment.

Write-Link Results Write-Link Results

The Write-Link outreach program offers students many benefits:– Opens new opportunities that were formally

closed giving students from socio-economically challenged areas the chance to make new professional and educational connections.

– Increases students awareness of civic issues and their application to the writing profession.

– Enables students to develop their writing skills and professional portfolios.

Write-Link Conclusions Write-Link Conclusions

Provided student team with a very valuable educational and professional experience.

Gave student team opportunity to explore work styles and adjust to and create a group style that is efficient.

Allowed student team to meet and interact with many of the English Dept. staff and faculty.

Write-Link Project Next Write-Link Project Next StepsSteps Determine best time period to hold the program:

– Primary Choice: July 14 – 18, 2003 – Secondary Choice: July 21 – 25, 2003

Finalized communication to schools and the media. Established contact with and involved a community

group and writing professionals in the program. Seek additional funding and giveaways.

THE ENDTHE END

The Write-Link: Careers in the Writing World

Presented by:

Ron Wilbanks