91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – The 91´«Ã½ is pleased to announce it is partnering with Estée Lauder Companies to support , an innovative pilot grant project to build literacy and digital skills for at-risk youth. WRITING CHANGE is a three-year global, literacy initiative inspired by Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, award-winning writer, and Estée Lauder Companies Changemaker and Brand Ambassador.

The 91´«Ã½ will receive funding to support WRITING CHANGE grants that will provide project funding for 12 libraries in the United States. Those libraries will partner with local artists to implement arts programming that builds literacy and digital skills for distinct populations – including youth at risk of low educational or employment attainment.

“The 91´«Ã½ is thrilled to receive grant support from the Estée Lauder Companies to uplift the role that libraries play in expanding opportunities for literacy and lifelong learning,” said 91´«Ã½ Executive Director Tracie D. Hall. “Funding will support lifelines to resources that fuel opportunities for education, employment, public health, and civic engagement.

“The public, school, academic, and tribal libraries selected to participate in this program will have the opportunity to work with and employ local artists and writers, one of any neighborhood's most valuable assets, in connecting residents with the vital resources and programming that today's libraries have to offer. By reaching out, we will be lifting up.”

In partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies, Amanda Gorman worked to identify literacy initiatives in the United States, with a focus on artistic and social expression through writing. The purpose of WRITING CHANGE is to focus on achieving real, measurable and scalable impact.

WRITING CHANGE will expand the reach of libraries into our nation’s communities and increase libraries’ visibility as a path to educational persistence, economic mobility and civic participation. It emphasizes diverse artistic expression as a platform for community and aims to reach approximately 3,600 individuals in its first year.

The 91´«Ã½ plans to announce the opening of the application for libraries in late spring, 2022.

91´«Ã½'s Executive Office will administer the grant program, which will reach thousands of youth and adults nationwide through participating libraries.

About the 91´«Ã½

91´«Ã½ is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, 91´«Ã½ has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.

About The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, Tommy Hilfiger, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown, Donna Karan New York, DKNY, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Michael Kors, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD BEAUTY, Smashbox, Ermenegildo Zegna, AERIN, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced and Dr. Jart+, and the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD.

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