Beauty and brains: Estée Lauder Companies awards literacy grants inspired by poet Amanda Gorman

08 Feb 2022 --- The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has announced the first-year recipients of the Writing Change, a three-year US$3 million initiative inspired by Amanda Gorman, Estée Lauder Global Changemaker and Brand Ambassador – and the youngest US poet and award-winning writer.

Writing Change manifests as ELCs commitment to boost education, especially for women and girls and is “deeply inspired by Amanda,” explains Fabrizio Freda, president and CEO, ELC.

“Amanda herself demonstrates the power of storytelling and the impact of words on the lives of young people and how words can be a catalyst to effect change.” 

“Representation in literacy matters. For youth, literacy is a pathway to social expression that leads to progress,” describes Gorman. 

Value-based literacy 
The Writing Change will invest in organizations promoting literacy and aligning with three values: equitable access, advocacy, and artistic expression in youths. Estée Lauder and Amanda Gorman have a three-year partnership, curating literacy initiatives. 

Equal access to literacy ensures the right to education, especially for those in need. Advocating writers through publication, for instance, increases representation in literature. Artistic programs encourage advances in creativity and expression for youths. This is according to Writing Change. 

Organizations were selected by Writing Change based on these values and their ability to impact youth communities and collaborate with the nonprofit.

The first of the three years, Writing Change focuses on US-based organizations and may expand globally following the last two years. 

US-based literacy winners 
The American Library Association (ALA) is the largest library organization globally, promoting libraries, education and information from all. As a result of funds, twelve libraries will partner with local artists to tie art to literacy and digital skills for youths with low education and employment. 

The nonprofit organization, We Need Diverse Books, aims at addressing systemic racism and oppression through literature. Via the grant, it will grow its workshops, community-building activities and contribute to Black and native funds. 

Focusing on gender discrimination and other forms of systemic oppression, Girls Write Now mentors (professional writers and multimedia creators) next-generation writers and leaders impacting businesses and cultures. 

Edited by Venya Patel