Since 2014, Fairfield's Connecticut Writing Project (CWP) programs have benefited more than 2,500 students in grades 3 through 12.
The Young Adult Literacy Labs program of the Connecticut Writing Project (CWP)–Fairfield was recently bestowed the 2025 Divergent Award for Excellence in the Implementation of Literacy in a Digital Age. This award comes from the Initiative for Literacy in a Digital Age, which recognizes excellence in programs and initiatives surrounding writing and digital literacy.
Bryan Ripley Crandall, PhD, associate professor of educational studies and teacher preparation in the School of Education and Human Development, serves as director of CWP–Fairfield. The programs offered at Fairfield emphasize collaboration, publication, and embracing the diverse demographics of southern Connecticut. Students and teachers showcase their work in an annual published anthology, POW!—Power of Words.
“This recognition is for the teachers and young people,” said Dr. Crandall. “Too often our classroom leaders and the young people they work with are not celebrated for their brilliance, creativity, hard work, and dedication to learning. This award sees the wonderful educators who teach our programs and the success of our writers.”