Workshops & Classes
CHARM's after-school workshops give middle and high school students the opportunity to explore creative writing, journalism, storytelling, and publishing in a supportive, hands-on environment. Led by experienced writers, journalists, educators, and local creatives, each six-week workshop helps students develop their voice while building confidence, communication skills, and meaningful connections with their peers.
Throughout the year, students create original work through writing exercises, collaborative activities, guest speakers, and real-world publishing opportunities. Many pieces are featured on CHARM's website, social media platforms, and in student publications.
2026–2027 Workshop Offerings
Explore a full year of creativity, storytelling, and self-expression with CHARM's 2026–2027 workshop series. From writing poetry inspired by Baltimore to discovering the art of food writing and learning the fundamentals of journalism, each workshop is designed to help students strengthen their writing skills, build confidence, and share their unique perspectives.
Led by experienced writers, journalists, and community creatives, every six-week program provides hands-on learning, opportunities for publication, and a supportive space where young voices can grow.
Fall 2026
Well-Versed: Finding Poetry Everywhere
This class focuses on exploring and writing poetry of place, with an emphasis on growing up in Baltimore. Over six sessions, students will explore multiple forms of poetry, including spoken word, haiku, and flash poetry, while drawing inspiration from master poets and local writers.
Students will strengthen self-awareness by reflecting on the people, places, memories, and experiences that shape their identities and writing.
They will build relationship skills by collaborating with peers, participating in interactive writing activities, and giving and receiving constructive feedback.
Students will also practice responsible decision-making by thoughtfully considering how their words represent themselves, their communities, and the impact their writing may have on readers.
This class is all about finding poetry in the places that shape us. Students will explore what it means to grow up in Baltimore, drawing inspiration from their neighborhoods, memories, experiences, local writers, and master poets. Along the way, they’ll experiment with forms like spoken word, haiku, and flash poetry to bring their stories to life.
Students will:
• Explore different forms of poetry and turn their ideas and experiences into original poems
• Play interactive writing games and activities that spark creativity and self-expression
• Practice drafting, editing, and giving and receiving constructive feedback
• Reflect on the people, places, and memories that shape their identities and communities
• Connect with other young writers in a fun, supportive creative space
By the end of the class, each student will complete at least one original poem with the opportunity to be published on CHARM’s website and social media. Families and caregivers are invited to join the final session for a student reading and flash poetry activity.
Each student will be supported in completing at least one original poem and will have the opportunity to submit it for publication on CHARM’s website and social media. During the final session, parents and caregivers are invited to hear students read their work and participate in a “flash poetry” activity, writing and sharing poems about places that are meaningful to them.
Wednesdays: September 16, 23, 30 and October 7, 14, 21
Time: 4:30–6:00 p.m.
-
We have some scholarships available if the cost of classes is prohibitive. Email workshops@charmlitmag.org to request a scholarship.
-
Email workshops@charmlitmag.org to be added to the waitlist. We’ll contact you in the order your email was received if a spot opens up.
Sign up for our monthly newsletter!
You’ll get the latest info on upcoming workshops!