The Write-Link program brings together students, teachers, university faculty and staff to increase awareness of writing careers. It utilizes EMU's English department and involves gathering information on similar programs, setting goals, and defining target audiences of high school students and teachers. The program's objectives are to create an identity, materials and pitch to schools. It provides students exposure to diverse learning and opportunities to explore careers through interaction with faculty. Next steps are finalizing dates, outreach and securing additional support.

1. Project OverviewProject Overview
By: Ron Wilbanks
The Write-Link
Outreach Project

2. Project ReviewProject Review
The Write-Link:
Careers in the
Writing World
Introduction
Research
Goals
Target Audiences
Output Objectives
Results
Conclusions
Next Steps

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Write-Link Research 2Write-Link Research 2
University of Iowa outreach programs:
UI Pen Pal Partnership
Iowa Summer Writing Festival
High School Student Workshop
Iowa Young Writers’ Studio*

6. Write-Link Research 3Write-Link Research 3
IOWA YOUNG WRITERS' STUDIO
June 22-July 5 and July 13-26, 2003

7. Write-Link GoalsWrite-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.

8. Write-Link Target AudiencesWrite-Link Target Audiences
 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...

9. Write-Link Target AudiencesWrite-Link Target Audiences
 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.

10. Write-Link Target AudiencesWrite-Link Target Audiences
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.

11. Write-Link Output ObjectivesWrite-Link Output Objectives
 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.

12. Write-Link ResultsWrite-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.

13. Write-Link ResultsWrite-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.

14. Write-Link ConclusionsWrite-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.

15. Write-Link Project Next StepsWrite-Link Project Next Steps
 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.

16. THE ENDTHE END
The Write-Link:
Careers in the
Writing World
Presented by:
Ron Wilbanks