The Route 66 Writing Project recently completed a project through a grant provided by National Geographic Education.
About the Program
Why Route 66?
As a National Writing Project site, we have chosen to embody the essence of the iconic Route 66 highway in our name and mission. Just as Route 66 connected diverse communities across the United States, the Route 66 Writing Project seeks to bridge gaps in literacy education and create a network of educators, students, and community members passionate about bringing the power of writing to everyone.
We embrace innovation and creativity in our programming, drawing upon the rich cultural heritage and diverse perspectives found along the Route 66 corridor. In naming ourselves the Route 66 Writing Project, we honor the spirit of the "Mother Road" as a conduit for connection, growth, and transformation. Join us on this journey to explore the power of writing and create a more inclusive future for all.
Our Mission
The Route 66 Writing Project at West Texas A&M University is committed to promoting place-based learning as a means of fostering a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaning across curricular content areas. We believe that learning through direct experiences with the physical, cultural, and historical landscapes of Route 66, and the region surrounding it, is a powerful way to engage students in meaningful and authentic learning.
Our mission is to inspire students to develop a deep appreciation for the people, places, and stories that make up the fabric of communities that surround this iconic highway. Through writing, research, and experiential learning, we aim to cultivate a sense of place-based identity and a sense of connection to the region and cultures that have been shaped by Route 66.
Explore the 2892 Miles To Go Route 66 Project
People generally spend little time thinking about roads. Most of us are in such a hurry to get where we’re going that we may look at the road before us, but we don’t really see the meandering paths we wander along.
Our roads can build and destroy, create and drain. The land surrounding our roads can offer stories of community, insights into belonging, legacies of opportunity gained and lost, chronicles of abuse of power and misuse of energy, and ledgers accounting for trade, ownership, and lingering debts.
Contact the Route 66 Writing Project
Dr. Shanna Peeples
Director
Dr. John G. O'Brien Distinguished Chair in Education
2015 National Teacher of the Year
speeples@wtamu.edu