Meet our 2026 KKLA Recipient,
Lake Erie Ink!
This year, The Literacy Cooperative received a record number of nominations for the $20,000 Kurt Karakul Literacy Award (KKLA). The volume and quality of applications reflects the strong commitment across our community to advancing literacy.
After thoughtful review and careful deliberation, the Selection Committee has chosen Lake Erie Ink: a writing space for youth as the 2026 award recipient.
Lake Erie Ink provides creative expression opportunities for young people across Greater Cleveland. Through afterschool programs, in-school residencies, weekend workshops, and summer camps, the organization supports youth as they explore storytelling, poetry, writing, art, and other forms of narrative. Their work centers on helping young people build confidence and find their voice through the written word. In fiscal year 2025, Lake Erie Ink served 3,876 youth across 66 sites in 18 neighborhoods.
One of Lake Erie Ink’s most recognized initiatives is the Teen Book Project, now in its tenth year. The project gives teens the opportunity to participate in the full publishing process. No work is rejected, and participation is free of charge. Through consistent, high-quality programming, the organization continues to strengthen young writers and expand access to creative expression across Northeast Ohio.
The Kurt Karakul Literacy Award honors the legacy of a leader whose dedication to equity and education changed lives across Cleveland. Created through a generous gift from the Third Federal Foundation, the award recognizes a nonprofit or public service organization in Cuyahoga County advancing literacy in meaningful ways. The selected organization receives a $20,000 grant to expand its impact, which will be presented at our Read Across America Celebration.
We thank the Selection Committee — Sally Brocious, Cheryl Stephens, Suzana Vujasin, Chalana Williams, and Robert Paponetti — for their thoughtful review of this year’s nominees.
Join us in celebrating Lake Erie Ink at our 10th Annual Read Across America Celebration on April 23 at 5:30 pm at Cuyahoga Community College’s Jerry Sue Thornton Center. We look forward to an evening of literary celebration with our community.
