About Next PAGE

A creative writing program founded and led by investigative journalist Emily Palmer, Next PAGE delivers trauma-informed creative writing workshops for New York City youth in detention and reentry. The program gives young people a structured, safe space to tell their own stories, build literacy and communication skills, and develop a sense of authorship over their lives at a point when many decisions are being made for them.

Workshops are designed around the realities of the justice system. Facilitators use trauma-informed practices that prioritize choice, safety, and trust, so participants can write about their experiences on their own terms. Through guided prompts, reading, and peer sharing, youth develop their voices as writers and gain tools for reflection, self-expression, and emotional regulation that carry beyond the classroom.

Next PAGE serves young people both inside detention and after release, providing continuity during reentry, one of the most vulnerable periods in a young person's life. Participants who continue with the program after release maintain a connection to a creative community and a trusted adult as they return to school, family, and work.

In 2026, Next PAGE marks its first anniversary and is fiscally-sponsored by Opus 1 Foundation.

Next PAGE Presents: 26.2 Reasons To Laugh