For Julia Young, founder and executive director of Page 15, inspiration starts somewhere around page fifteen.
“My grandmother always said you have to read to page fifteen before giving up on a book,” Julia said. “When you stay in someone’s story just a little bit longer, that’s when the world opens up.”
That belief—to stay curious and keep listening—is at the heart of Page 15’s mission to empower children of all abilities to explore their creativity, build confidence, and strengthen critical literacy skills.
Where words take shape, walk into a Page 15 classroom on any given afternoon and you’ll hear it: the scratch of pencils, bursts of laughter, and the kind of quiet focus that only comes when students are deep in a story of their own making. Through programs like the Young Writers Society and the Young Writers Camp, students come together to write, share, and learn from one another. They practice not just literacy, but confidence, empathy, and reflection.
“Writing is like learning an instrument or a sport,” said Paul Driscoll, program director at Page 15. “Frequent, quality practice over time builds fluency, and there’s no substitute for that.”
For many young writers, the opportunity to express themselves on the page is transformative. Most come from families living below the poverty line or from backgrounds where creative learning resources are limited. Yet inside Page 15’s classrooms, they find belonging, imagination, and the courage to be heard.
In 2024 alone, Page 15 served 628 students across Central Florida.
-
85% said they felt more connected to others.
-
86% reported feeling more confident in writing and public speaking.
-
Together, they published 710 original books, each one a small but powerful testament to what can happen when children are given a voice.
Strength in partnership is at the core of Page 15’s growth. Like so many of Central Florida’s cultural and educational organizations, it thrives because of strong community relationships—especially with United Arts of Central Florida.
The organization first received a General Operating Support Grant, a vital source of funding that allows programs to continue without interruption and ensures students return to consistent mentors and safe spaces to create.
“I can’t remember the exact moment we met United Arts,” said Julia. “But I know they found us, and I can’t tell you how much I value that. When you’re in the work every day, you’re just trying to survive. Their support gave us stability, reputation, and the assurance that our staff and students would have consistency.”
Beyond the page, the effects of Page 15’s work reach far beyond the written word. Through writing, students learn to process emotions, build resilience, and connect with one another in ways that foster empathy and understanding.
“To be empowered with true voice is to be realized as a human being,” Paul reflected. “When young people see the value of their words, they begin to see the value of themselves.”
With continued support from United Arts, Page 15 is helping the next generation of writers—and citizens—shape a more creative, compassionate future for Central Florida. Because sometimes, all it takes is getting to page fifteen.
Make stories like this possible. Your support helps United Arts fund creative programs like Page 15, where young people find their voices, build confidence, and shape their futures through the arts. 💛 Every gift helps make art possible for all. 👉Donate Now
