SCBWI’s 2014 On-The-Verge Emerging Voices Award Winners
The prize, which includes an all-expense paid trip to the SCBWI Summer Conference in Los Angeles and and one-on-one meetings with industry professionals, is a part of SCBWI’s mission to bring traditionally marginalized authors to the forefront. Executive Director Lin Oliver believes that “every child should have the opportunity to experience many and diverse of points of view.”
Funding for the grant is made possible by Sue and Martin Schmitt of the 455 Foundation, who are likewise committed to furthering diversity in children’s books:
While our country is made up of beautifully varied cultures and ethnicities, too few are represented in the voices of children’s books. We hope to encourage participation by those not well represented, and look forward to having these stories widely enjoyed by all children.
For more information, visit the “Awards and Grants” section of SCBWI’s webpage.
About SCBWI
Founded in 1971, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is one of the largest existing writers’ and illustrators’ organizations, with over 22,000 members worldwide. It is the only organization specifically for those working in the fields of children’s literature, magazines, film, television, and multimedia. The organization was founded by Stephen Mooser (President) and Lin Oliver (Executive Director), both of whom are well-published children’s book authors and leaders in the world of children’s literature.
About Martin and Sue Schmitt
Martin and Sue Schmitt are the founders of We Can Build an Orphanage, sponsoring the Kay Angel orphanage in Jacmel, Haiti. The organization was established in 2007 with the mission to provide a home and education for abandoned children infected with or affected by AIDS in Jacmel, Haiti. The Schmitts’ generous and continuous efforts to support SCBWI’s long-term goals also co-sponsored the 2007 Global Voices Program, which highlighted Mongolian artists and authors. To find out more information about the Kay Angel orphanage please visit www.kayangel.org.
