PAL members participate in dance, music, drama, photography, writing, arts and video programs. They learn coordination, build self-confidence and improve speech, reading, writing and communication skills.

Stories My Grandparents Told Me
Through the Stories My Grandparents Told Me annual creative writing project, children celebrate the joy and pride in their family heritage. This tradition of storytelling bridges the gap between generations and encourages family communication. Over 100 young authors are applauded each year for their talent and writing abilities. Selections for awards are made from more than 1,500 city-wide entries.

Stories My Grandparents Told Me:

In “El Coqui,” Jennifer Rodriguez, 17, told a touching tale about her beloved grandmother helping her granddaughter to accept her death. The story was about a little frog, “el coqui,” who lived in the middle of the rain forest, “el Yunque,” and how love can bring happiness, even after death. Her grandmother explained that sorrow can become joy, if you deeply love someone, just believe in your heart and one day you will be reunited.

Illustrated Poetry Contest
Each year, over 1,000 young artists/writers participate in the annual Illustrated Poetry Contest. Six to 19 year olds explore a theme through paint, chalk, pens, pencils, crayons, stencils, oils, watercolors and digital images with poems accompanying their artwork. Top entries are featured in the annual PAL calendar, and several students receive scholarships.

Nights in City
Go to the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset
The most wonderful colors you’ll see, I bet.
The city is such a spectacular sight
When you look at the buildings all lit at night!
The buildings are so very high,
They seem to touch the beautiful sky.

–Cassandra Holden, age 11
PAL’s Illustrated Poetry Contest

My City, One Soul
in silent prayer i envision eternity
after a bitter storm i am a lone entity
color my tomorrows a misty blue
paint away the tears of yesterday too
remember the legacy, promises of the past
in this city, my city, my soul, one soul
i am cast

–Denesy Mancenido age 16

Theatre & Dance
The opportunities for children, teens and young adults to express themselves through theatre and dance are available throughout the PAL youth centers. Plays and dance performances often reflect the diversity of the communities.

Photography
PAL’s photography program helps teens understand how to “read” and “decode” visual images in their public and private lives. Students analyze images that have been printed on billboards and tee shirts and placed in subway ads, magazines, newspapers, family photo albums and the Internet. In addition to improving their vocabulary, students learn how to identify visual images and how to derive meaning from those images. Throughout the year, young people can be found taking photos at youth centers and playsites to work on improving their skills.