A youth writing program created by Live From The Southside.
LFTSS Youth Voices gives San Antonio students an opportunity to share their stories, strengthen their writing skills and become published writers. The citywide program is free and open to students in grades 3 through college.
Selected work may be published on LiveFromTheSouthside.com, in Live From The Southside Magazine, in the weekly newsletter and across LFTSS social media platforms. Published students receive a professional byline and experience writing for a real audience. Their published work can also become part of a portfolio, college application, scholarship application, internship application or resume.
Students may write about their community, education, sports, arts and entertainment, local businesses and nonprofit organizations, food, health and wellness, travel, lifestyle, culture, family traditions, inspiring people or personal experiences. Original personal essays, poetry, songs, speeches, short stories and family-friendly nonfiction are also welcome. Financial literacy is one part of LFTSS Youth Voices, and students may continue submitting across all approved topics.
Submission requirements:
- Original, family-friendly writing of up to 300 words
- Writer’s full name, age or grade level, teacher’s name, school or college, and school district when applicable
- Parent or guardian permission for writers under age 18
- Up to four original images, attached separately with photo credits
- Writing may be pasted into the email or attached as a Google or Microsoft Word document
Submissions are due by the 12th of each month. Email media@livefromthesouthside.com with the subject line LFTSS Youth Voices Submission – Student Name.
All submissions are reviewed by the Live From The Southside editorial team. Submission does not guarantee publication. Selected work may be lightly edited for spelling, grammar, clarity, length and style while preserving the student’s voice.
Teachers and schools are welcome to participate. Teachers, librarians, counselors and school leaders can share the program with students and families, use a monthly prompt as a classroom activity, or coordinate submissions from a class, campus, library, writing club or student organization. Schools are encouraged to celebrate published students through campus newsletters, announcements and social media.
Bring LFTSS Youth Voices to your school.
Connect with us for program announcements, monthly writing prompts or information about participating as a school.