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
Kettering Family Philanthropies
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
The Matisse Foundation
Dr. Robert C. and Tina Sohn Foundation
NYC City Council
Discretionary Funding Carmen De La Rosa
NYC Department of
Cultural Affairs (DCLA)
UMEZ Hybrid Microloan
NewYork-Presbyterian
New York State Council on the Arts

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
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

Uptown Stories redefined "after school enrichment" for me. The kids were learning the fundamentals of good writing, but in a way that felt like a fun romp, rather than a two-hour slog through rules and thesis statements.

HK

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

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

Being able to expand my mind in a loving and supportive environment has shaped my mind in so many wonderful ways, and I'm eternally grateful for it. I've come a long way, and it's all thanks to the community at Uptown Stories.

Susannah

Student

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

Gerry

Parent

Uptown Stories has helped my writing in the sense that it allowed me to realize that this is my passion and that I want to pursue it as a career. It opened my eyes to the possibilities that creative writing has to offer. I think that anyone can get something out of attending Uptown Stories.

Graydon

Alumnus

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 each week and test out what we’ve learned with some on-the-spot writing. You’ll work with your peers, too — 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 now for this workshop!

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Our Uptown

Calling all kid-journalists and fiction writers! With a home base at the Cornerstone and an adventure-scape of the entire neighborhood, Our Uptown will be the perfect avenue for diving into our community. In this workshop, we will hone our journalistic skills by interviewing the people who run, work at, and visit our favorite neighborhood spots. Every place has a story, especially in Washington Heights, and we’re eager to learn it! Once our research is complete we’ll write poetry, fiction, and more, inspired by these vibrant visits and interviews. From Buunni Coffee to Oasis Deli, meet people who connect you to our community, feed our souls, and inspire you to write your best work.

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The Nature of Poetry

Embark on a poetic journey where nature becomes our muse! Join our vibrant group of young poets as we venture out into upper Manhattan’s flourishing summer landscapes and find poetry in the world around us. As we write and read poetic verse we’ll discover what’s beneath every rock, leaf, and flower, open ourselves up to all of our senses, and use what we find around us to create drawings, fairy dwellings, pocket pals, and whatever calls our imaginations. Join the poetic adventurers for one week of local field trips in Washington Heights that will deepen your connection with nature and inspire journals filled with artistic creations! Enter the magical worlds waiting just around the corner.

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