Business Details
8 Years
experience
Empowering Students Through Local Literature
Locavore Lit was founded to address a critical gap in language arts education for underserved students in our community. As a literary journal and classroom program, we connect public school students in Pasadena and Los Angeles with contemporary writers and artists whose work reflects the cultural diversity of California. Our team brings decades of combined experience in education, creative mentorship, and curriculum development to foster student engagement with reading and writing. Through classroom visits, interactive workshops, and open-source publications, we create intergenerational learning communities where students see themselves represented in literature and develop their own creative voices.Our advisory board includes nonprofit organizers, educators, and literary professionals who guide our approach to curriculum design and program expansion. Since our inception, we have published multiple online issues featuring over 60 local writers and visual artists, creating a growing library rooted in the stories of our communities.
Services
Literary Workshops
Classroom Visits
Curriculum Development
Student Publications
Author Mentorship
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- We connect students directly with local writers and artists
- Our curriculum aligns with California's cultural diversity
- We provide free open-source educational resources
- Our program includes student publication opportunities
- We offer intergenerational mentorship through creative workshops
What people say
Passionate authors
Dyslexia representation
Creative inspiration
Community connection
Writing motivation
Services
Literary Workshops
Interactive writing workshops led by professional authors help students develop creative skills. Sessions focus on storytelling techniques, poetry, and personal narrative development. Participants gain confidence in expressing their unique perspectives through structured exercises and peer feedback.
Classroom Visits
Local writers visit classrooms to share their creative journeys and discuss literary works. These sessions include Q&A opportunities and discussions about career paths in writing. Students gain real-world insights into the writing profession through these personal interactions.
Curriculum Development
We create free, standards-aligned curriculum materials based on contemporary California literature. Our resources include discussion guides, writing prompts, and multimedia content. Educators receive comprehensive tools to integrate diverse voices into their English language arts instruction.
Student Publications
Selected student work appears in our online literary journal, showcasing emerging talent. The publication process includes editorial guidance and revision support. This platform gives young writers authentic publishing experience and audience engagement.
Art Integration
Original illustrations accompany literary works, creating interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Students explore visual storytelling techniques alongside written narratives. The program fosters appreciation for both literary and artistic expression through collaborative projects.
People
Jervey Tervalon
Founder
Novelist and educator with decades of experience in urban education. Developed Locavore Lit to address textbook limitations and provide culturally relevant literature for California students.
Jessica Lopez
Program Manager
First-generation Latina graduate with BA in Human Development and Psychology. Specializes in inclusive education and behavioral intervention for special needs students through creative learning approaches.
Scott Gandell
Art Curator
Professional illustrator and Art Center College of Design alumnus. Curates visual content for the publication and connects students with professional art networks through his industry connections.
Questions
What schools does Locavore Lit serve?
We currently serve schools in the Pasadena Unified and Los Angeles Unified School Districts.
How are authors selected for classroom visits?
We feature California-based writers whose work reflects local cultural diversity and educational relevance.
Can students get published in Locavore Lit?
Yes, students are encouraged to submit their creative writing and artwork for publication consideration.
Is there a cost for the program?
No, our curriculum resources and classroom visits are provided free of charge to schools.
What grade levels benefit most from the program?
While adaptable for all ages, our core focus is on high school students in underserved communities.
