In the Spring of 2009, Ellen Hagan, DreamYard Poetry Coordinator, expressed a desire to lead a small group of poets ranging from middle to high school aged students in bi-weekly writing and publishing sessions with the goal of assembling a team that would compete on the both the local and national levels. The Bronx Poetry Project began in the Fall of 2009 with a Hagan and critically acclaimed poet, Aracelis Grimay, serving as the group’s co-teachers. The vision of the Bronx Poetry Project has adjusted with the needs and desires of our participants. While competing in local and national slams is a goal, the more essential component of BPP has become community building through poetry and collaborative writing. Bronx Poetry Project host a monthly Master Class taught by professional writers which is followed by a Open Mic that is opened to the community.