Southern Word Echo Squad Fellowship

Fellowship Overview
Over the past eighteen years, Southern Word has developed leading young writers and music producers through its in-school and out-of-school programs. The Echo Squad will serve as part of a youth team that guides, plans, markets, and executes Southern Word’s key workshops and events. The team will participate in these functional activities as well as train to build their skills through a range of workshops and developmental sessions. These sessions will develop their skill sets and expose them to the administrative, fundraising, program, artistic, production, and promotional aspects of Southern Word. These sessions will be complemented by showcases, activities, and events where youth will apply and demonstrate their learning. Youth are expected to make a commitment to the program for the duration of the year.

Responsibilities:

Attend 24 weekly workshops over the course of the year on Thursdays from 3:30-5:00pm.
Attend and support 4 events planned between September and May.
Collaborate with fellows and staff to guide, plan, market, and execute programs and events.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Self-motivated worker who is able to lead by example.
Ability to complete tasks responsibly and follow through on commitments.
Ability to lead, encourage, and coach youth who are close in age.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with a diverse team.
Comfortable with change and ability to adapt in an uncertain environment.

Schedule:
September 1, 2026 – May 15, 2027
24 workshop sessions
4 event sessions

Stipend:
$600 for full participation

Any Middle Tennessee youth interested, age 15 through 18 presently enrolled in high school, should complete the application below. Deadline to apply has been extended to August 24, 2026.

REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE

Student Name

First

Last

Student Email

Student Phone (Optional)

What is your age?

What school do you attend?

Parent or Guardian Email

Parent or Guardian Phone

Would you like to sign-up for Southern Word's email newsletter?

Keep up with Southern Word events and announcements through our monthly e-blast.

Why are you interested in joining the Echo Squad?

Describe or list any work experience.

Resume Upload (Optional)

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

Allowed Formats: PNG, GIF, JPG, DOC, DOCX, PDF, ODT, TXT. If you have any difficulty, you may also email your resume and poems to info@southernword.org.

Describe your favorite school or class experience.

List any community service that you have performed.

Anything else that you would like to share with us?

Message

About Southern Word
Through the literary and performing arts, Southern Word offers creative solutions for youth to build literacy and presentation skills, reconnect to their education and to their lives, and act as leaders in the improvement of their communities. We are absolutely committed to providing youth, especially in underserved communities, with as many opportunities as possible to develop and publicly present their voices both live and in print, video, audio, and digital media.