FREE weekly programs for students to explore their creativity through writing and mentorship.
826michigan’s Teen Leadership Lab is a weekly program through which high school students provide mentorship to younger student writers (grades 2-8) while working on their own writing. Teen Leaders participate in age-appropriate professional development in order to be prepared to guide younger writers through the writing process, from brainstorming to final draft. After each program session, 826michigan staff lead a structured debrief session to support Teen Leaders in reflecting on their experiences and learning additional strategies for mentoring younger writers. Teen Leaders then have the chance to share their own writing, provide feedback to their peers, and get support with publishing their work. Teens who complete the program receive a stipend.
About 826michigan’s Teen Leadership Lab
FOR WHO
Students in
9th-12th grades
WHEN
Year-round
WHERE
At the Ann Arbor District Library, Malletts Creek (3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy.) and at the Ypsilanti District Library, Michigan Ave. (229 W. Michigan Ave.)
Important note:
Applications close September 4, 2025. If you’ve missed the deadline, add your name to our contact list, and we’ll email you when our winter semester application is open.
Winter 2026 Teen Leadership Lab
Ann Arbor Teen Leadership Lab
Mondays:
4:30-6:45 p.m.
January 26 through April 20
(no session 2/16, 3/30)
Training session: January 12, 4:30-6 p.m.
at AADL Malletts Creek
3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Ypsilanti Teen Leadership Lab
Tuesdays:
5-7:30 p.m.
January 20 through April 7
Training session: January 13, 4:30-6 p.m.
at YDL Michigan Ave.
229 W. Michigan Ave.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197