Great Valley Writing Project at CSU Stanislaus will again offer “GVWP Writing & Technology Workshops” for K-12 students in Manteca and Ripon. The two-week workshops run weekday mornings from 8:30-11:30. Enrollment is open to the public.

In south Manteca, from June 4-15, Woodward Elementary will host a program for students entering 3rd through 8th grades. In north Manteca, from June 18-29, Goodwin School will host a program for students entering 1st through 6th grades. In downtown Ripon, from June 4-15, Ripon Elementary and Ripon High School will host workshops for students entering 1st through 12th grades.

These non-profit workshops help budding authors and college-bound students develop their creative and academic writing talents. Guided by a large staff of GVWP consultants, classroom teachers, and technology instructors, young writers develop confidence and skill in a collaborative setting that is optimal for productivity and learning. Students work closely with mentor teachers as they polish and publish their work, gaining new mastery of writing styles, composition strategies, editing techniques, and multimedia tools. (In 2011, the program assigned one teacher for every five students.)

Technology plays a major role in the workshops. Students at all grade levels use computers daily to compose, polish, and publish their work. During the final days of the program, each young writer submits polished work for publication. The student-created website at http://imeet.sjcoe.net/wtw provides program information and links to view workshop photos and student projects.

The workshops are subsidized by contributions from local businesses and private donations: no taxpayer dollars are used.

Enrollment fees for the two-week programs range from $120 to $15000 per student, depending on the selected location and the enrollment date.

Families who qualify for financial assistance may apply for scholarships through Give Every Child A Chance. GECAC tutoring applications are available at school offices throughout Manteca and Ripon.

Visit http://wTw.eventbrite.com/ for complete details, promotional discount codes, and online registration links. If you have questions contact the Great Valley Writing Project office at (209) 667-3490.