#LUBC’s The Pod Squad is a four-week paid summer youth apprenticeship designed for emerging writers and lyrical artists (ages 16-22) who are at the beginning of their creative careers or looking to strengthen their skills and build their storytelling technique.

 

Through this program, five youth apprentices will develop a growing portfolio that showcases poetry, ekphrastic art, community archiving, and music/songwriting, while learning the fundamentals of their craft. They’ll gain hands-on experience in shaping a body of work, refining their artistic voice, and exploring storytelling as a tool for community building.

 

Under the mentorship of Chicago’s first Youth Poet Laureate, E’mon Lauren, alongside a diverse group of invited Chicago-based teaching artists, apprentices will receive direct guidance from multiple artists and gain insight into different artistic approaches and writing styles. The program culminates in a public final showcase and performance opportunity where apprentices will present their work. ​​​