Our Supporters

We couldn't do it without you!

We are a small but mighty force of teachers and artists, who are here for the sole purpose of giving young people a way to tell their stories, whatever form that takes. Writing can free your soul or a nation, help your heart heal or the world grow, or reveal who you really are or want to be.

Every organization and individual listed here understands the importance of creative writing and why supporting Uptown Stories is vital to our young writers, and the community of upper Manhattan. Thank you for supporting us – we couldn’t do it without you!

Major Funders

Ava's Smile
Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation
Elephant Rock Foundation
Find Your Light Foundation
Hispanic Federation
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine
Medical Center Neighborhood Fund
NY State Senator Robert Jackson
William T. Grant Foundation
The Hyde and Watson Foundation
Leon Levy Foundation
NewsCorp
Dr. Robert C. and Tina Sohn Foundation
NYC City Council
Discretionary Funding Carmen De La Rosa
NYC Department of
Cultural Affairs (DCLA)
Pinkerton Foundation
UMEZ Hybrid Microloan
SparkYouth NYC

Community Supporters

Buunni Coffee
Cornerstone Center
HEIGHTSIGHTS
Le Cheile NYC
A Sign of Success
Word Up Community Bookshop

Community Partners

Bank Street School For Children
SONYC
Early RAPP
Hudson Cliffs
Harbor Heights
Columbia Secondary School
The Uptown Hub / NewYork-Presbyterian
Cabrini Immigrant Services NYC
Gregorio Luperon High School for Science and Mathematics
Muscota New School
Writing used to be something that was just work; something we have to do at school. However, now it's a way for me to express different things, and it's much more enjoyable now that there is a place where everyone has the same passion for writing that I do.

Anna

Student

I feel like if I hadn't taken Girls Rising, I wouldn't have become a better writer, and I wouldn't have met some friends who have changed my life.

Xanthe

Student

Thanks to [Uptown Stories], a passing interest has become a passion.

Gerry

Parent

The quality of teaching is superb. The teachers have the chance to get to know each child, and due to the small class size, the feedback is very specific. Also, witnessing the other children critique the writing is remarkable - the children are kind and respectful, but very honest.

Lori

Parent

I've met a fantastic group of people and become a much better writer. Kate and the rest of the staff are hardworking and fun to work with.

Joseph

Student

Uptown Stories has helped me come out of my shell and explore my imagination. My writing has become more complex and descriptive over the years. It is helpful and fun to anyone who is interested in writing or not!

Kayla

Student

I really appreciate the fact that every every student has a voice in their class. They trust each other and they listen to each other. All of this is happening because Uptown Stories has created a community of learners where everyone learns from each other.

Nina

Parent

When it's Monday, I'm so excited for class to start! Favorite time of the week! Uptown Stories made me like writing even more.

Tallulah

Student

Ready to Join a Workshop?

The Elements of Fiction

If you can’t wait to turn the page, the writer has succeeded in telling you a great story. What does it take to develop characters, settings, dialogue, and plot elements that have you on the edge of your seat? This workshop answers those questions and more! We’ll breakdown the parts of fiction writing and test out what we’ve learned with some on-the-spot writing. You’ll work with your peers, giving advice and feedback, while hearing what they have to say about your work. Not only does this workshop make you a better writer, but when you understand the process, it makes you appreciate your favorite writers even more. Don’t leave us on the edge of our seats – register for now for this workshop!

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Anime: IKŌ!

You know it, love it, you can’t get enough of it - and neither can we. Whether it’s "Speed Racer" or "Dragon Ball", "Naruto", or "My Hero Academia", we are OBSESSED. The only thing better than watching anime the entire week of spring break would be drawing our own anime characters and adventures. Grab your pens, and let’s ikō!

We’ll learn traditional techniques using the boldest of colors, creating unique casts of characters with the best hair, and putting them into action in the world and arc of your dreams. Whether you’re new to drawing classes or an experienced artist, there are always skills to learn that will help you tell the story you want told.

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Scoop, There It Is!

The internet is a crazy place, but it gives us powerful tools to tell our stories. Scoop, There It Is! is all about using the digital world to our advantage! Through writing, video, and audio, we’ll learn the fundamentals of storytelling, reporting, and online journalism in unconventional ways. We’ll investigate questions like: What makes a compelling news story? How do we verify facts? And how can content like TikTok videos and mini podcasts be used to inform our audiences? By the end of this workshop you’ll be a certified a young journalist, creating your own captivating multimedia projects for the world to see.

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