Writers in the Schools (WITS)

🔎 Save the date! 🔍

Join us for WITS' 2026 Gala, "The Case of the Missing Couplet," on November 19th, 2026, at The Revaire.

This year's theme captures the unstoppably determined and creative spirit of the kid detectives we grew up with; we can't wait to include you in this evening of mystery, built around WITS students' creative work. There is so much to discover, and we cannot wait to have you join us on the case!

Stay tuned for more details. Proceeds will support WITS' mission to unlock the joy and power of storytelling and creative expression.

That's a wrap on our Spring Matching Campaign! We could not be more grateful to each and every donor who has made it possible for us to raise over $111k with this campaign! Likewise, we could not have done it without our incredible matching sponsors, LyondellBasell, The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation, and the H-E-B Tournament of Champions. Please visit the link in our bio for a full report on the campaign and for a glimpse at what these funds will make possible!

We have three days remaining to raise $14,000 in order to meet our Spring Matching Campaign goal! Can you help us cross the finish line? With $106,000 raised so far and our matching sponsors standing by to double your contribution, we couldn't be closer to reaching this goal. Your contribution goes a long way in making WITS programming possible--swipe to see just how far!

Link in bio to donate today and help us make this campaign a success! Thank you to EVERYONE who has donated already!

Enrollment is underway for WITS Creative Writing Camp at UH Downtown! This summer, students ages 7-15 can spend an inspiring, creative week learning from professional writers and bringing their ideas to life! Topics include "Writing the Self," "Inspirational Writing," and "Taking Your Writing to the Next Level." Plus, did you know these fun and affordable camps are offered at three convenient locations? For details and registration, see link in bio!

Last week, we gathered at the Menil Collection to hear the incredible poetry written by students on WITS-led field trips to the Menil this school year. On these field trips, students are led by WITS Teaching Writers to create work in response to the artworks on view at the museum. Each student who read at Friday’s reading had a poem selected for inclusion in this year’s “Watchful Eye” anthology. Thank you to all of the families, teachers, and WITS Teaching Writers who joined us in celebrating these amazing young writers. And thank you to the Menil Collection and its staff, with whom we celebrated the 38th year of this remarkable program!

Photos by Bhavin Misra

The search is underway for the 2026-2027 Houston Youth Poet Laureate! Are you a poet age 14-19 who lives in Houston? Apply to be the city's next Youth Poet Laureate!

The Houston Youth Poet Laureate program is a proud collaboration between Writers in the Schools, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Houston Public Library. The program uplifts the voices of emerging poets who speak to the heart of our Houston community. Since 2016, the program has identified young writers and leaders who are committed to civic and community engagement through poetry and performance. Past Youth Poet Laureates have received publications, performance bookings, and the opportunity to be regional ambassadors for the National Youth Poet Laureate program.

Apply today! Link in bio!