I Fellow Scholars Program nurtures youth talents with writing and digital storytelling

The City of Knoxville's recent government meeting highlighted the success of the I Fellow Scholars Program, an initiative aimed at enhancing writing, research, and digital storytelling skills among middle and high school students. Launched in 2010 at Vine Middle School, the program began with just six seventh graders. By the time these students reached eighth grade, they had published a booklet that is now available in all Knox County Schools libraries.

The program has proven to be a stepping stone for students, many of whom have pursued further education at the STEM Academy. Notably, they produced a film that won an award at the Knoxville Film Festival during its inaugural high school division. This achievement underscores the potential of youth when provided with the right support and resources.

The program's success has led to aspirations for its continuation, although it relies heavily on donations and grants for funding. The meeting emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent and the positive outcomes that can arise from community support and educational initiatives. As the organization looks to repeat this success, the need for ongoing financial backing remains a critical focus.