The Impact of ABL
Mission
Andover Bread Loaf (ABL) reimagines education based on a pedagogy of care that, through writing and the arts, ignites change in youth, adults, and educators by providing the space, trust, and freedom for them to develop their intellectual, leadership, and collaborative skills. Using these tools, they can transform themselves and their communities while working toward social justice.
Key Features
- Transformative Youth Programming: Year-round and summer offerings that inspire students, teachers, and communities through writing and creative self-expression.
- Elevating Teen Leadership: Training young people (Writing Leaders) in democratic teaching to lead writing workshops and community programs that foster youth-driven education and social transformation.
- Sustaining Excellent Educators: An Andover-based residency program for teachers and other youth development professionals that promotes best practices while providing valuable opportunities for connection and self-care.
Our Program
2,500
students in grades K–12 served annually
100%
of programming led by ABL-trained high school & college youth
3
alumni on full fellowships at the Bread Loaf School of English
95%
of ABL youth identify as Latine, Black, or Multi-racial
80%
of ABL youth speak a language other than English at home
700+
teachers have attended ABL’s summer educator workshop
Summer 2026 In Action: The 39th Year
Impact and Results
- 97.5% of students report increased confidence in writing and creative arts
- 95% of students believe they can make a difference in their community after participating in ABL
- 95% of LSWW students are interested in becoming an ABL Writing Leader
- 100% of students would recommend ABL to a friend or family member
- 100% of Writing Leaders report increased confidence in their own abilities and feel inspired to accomplish their goals
- 100% of Writing Leaders report learning useful skills for their future employment
- Participating teachers overwhelmingly expressed fresh excitement for their profession:
- “The Educators’ Workshop is a transformative experience that reminds teachers they are artists, writers, and learners first. It creates a space to be challenged intellectually, nurtured creatively, and surrounded by a community that believes in the power of education as a practice of freedom. You'll leave with new ideas, meaningful relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose.”
- “A life-changing experience that brings you closer to yourself, fills you with hope, and motivates you to continue on a path of intentionality.”
- “Transformative, as someone who did not see themself as a writer and hasn’t seen as many spaces where students’ voices are lifted. It’s so powerful. You are going to find things out about yourself and your teaching that you didn’t know were there or possible. You will be inspired by student voices and the possibilities in letting scholars lead.”
The most important takeaway from this program is that it helped me learn that not every writing piece has to be perfect, it just has to express yourself.
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Creative writing requires introspection and an open mind. An open mind for yourself and the viewpoints of others.
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I felt seen and heard because a lot of the workshops kind of described me and how I live my life.
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Tapping into creativity at ABL
Writing Leaders
Central to ABL’s model is the Writing Leader Program, which trains up to 50 youth each year—many of them former participants—to lead ABL programs. Writing Leaders receive training in key career skill areas such as program management, administration, and data collection, as well as teaching skills related to classroom management and writing and literacy pedagogy. As students grow within ABL and transition into Writing Leaders, the program provides them with valuable foundational work experience, often their first job, which supports their exploration of career interests and helps build future professional pathways.
“Being a Writing Leader has helped me learn about my passion for community work, working with kids, and English; so much so, that I am currently pursuing an English degree in hopes of becoming an English teacher.” — Neo, LSWW Writing Leader 2026
“ABL has been such a great experience for me because the interactive and supportive environment helped me find my voice and get over my fear of public speaking. Writing and sharing among everyone really saved me and not only gives me a creative outlet but is also a way to let my emotions and words out without facing judgement.” — Bella, LSWW Writing Leader 2026
Thank You
Andover Bread Loaf is funded through the generosity of individual donors and foundations. As a result, the program is free of charge for all selected students. Thank you!
Founder and Transitional Director of ABL
Lou Bernieri P’96, ’10, founded Andover Bread Loaf (ABL) in 1987 and helped lead the program through its 38th year last summer. Under his guidance, ABL has become a nationally recognized model for empowering young writers, particularly in under-resourced communities like nearby Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Lou began his career at Phillips Academy in the late 1970s as an instructor in English and house counselor, later serving as chair of the English department and coaching both football and track. His outreach work—especially in Lawrence—has earned him numerous honors, including the Jeannie Menucci Award (Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence, 2013), the Ertha Dengler History Award (Lawrence History Center, 2015), and an honorary Doctor of Letters from Middlebury College (2016). Though he retired from Phillips Academy in June 2025, Lou continues to serve as the transitional director of Andover Bread Loaf and is leading efforts to expand ABL’s impact in the future.
