Through the use of specialized curriculums, the program engages young people by providing a creative outlet, community, and real-life work experience.
[4] Get Lit – Words Ignite was founded in 2006 in Los Angeles by Diane Luby Lane to increase literacy, empower youth, and energize communities through poetry.
The inspiration for Get Lit began with a solo show[5] that Ms. Lane toured with internationally celebrated poet and advocate Jimmy Santiago Baca in venues ranging from high schools and universities to prisons.
[9] In addition, in 2023, they were named “Outstanding Nonprofit Organization” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Greater Los Angeles Chapter.
[16][17] 27 Get Lit Poets wrote and starred in the feature film Summertime, directed by Carlos Lopez Estrada, which premiered at Sundance in 2020.
1n 2021 Get Lit created video campaigns promoting voting and knowledge of civics for the social justice organization Sankofa, founded by Gina Belafonte.
The film received the ADL Stand Up Award at the festival and gives a personal and timely view into how transformative the Get Lit program can be for young people, especially during the pandemic.
The two-year program will allow participants to create a final script that can be pitched, optioned, produced, or used as a sample piece to acquire representation or employment.