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Zines for Progress

"I have a voice and I should make myself heard."
–Student zine-maker

Zines for Progress (Z4P) is a Miami-Dade County public high school outreach program centered on addressing topical issues through zine-making. By creating a safe space for teens to voice their opinion, encouraging them to think proactively about community issues, and opening doors into exploring The Wolfsonian's immense collection of modern-age material, the initiative sparks curiosity and social activism. From concept to production, the students collaborate in groups to shape their message and together leverage research, critical thinking, visual learning, and various indie bookmaking techniques to provoke thought and inspire change. Over the course of an academic year, the high schoolers gain vital experience in communication, negotiation, and empathy while expanding their understanding of contemporary worldviews.

MDCPS teachers may apply by completing a Zines for Progress Program Request Form. Title I classrooms receive priority.

Z4P is a signature program of The Wolfsonian's Discovering Design initiative, which is supported by The Batchelor Foundation, the Tamara L. Harris Foundation, and the Seligman Family Foundation.

Published Work

The Wolfsonian–FIU is working toward bringing our past Zines for Progress archive online. Page through one fully digitized edition, Hybrid Reality–Living History, which documents MDCPS students' experiences during the first full school year of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020–21.

Digital Exhibition

Generation Zine, a Google Arts & Culture story, examines the first pandemic cycle of Z4P and digital zine pages that reflect on world events through a teen lens. Curated by three South Florida high school students-turned-Wolfsonian interns and pulling from Hybrid Reality–Living History, the online experience presents how young Z4P participants grappled with isolation, anxiety, and other harrowing pressures in their 2020–21 school year, visualizing the unique challenges of the time in layered artworks.

The Student Experience

  • Topics Explored

    Mental health
    Gun control
    Black Lives Matter and racism
    Homelessness
    Human trafficking
    Social media and communication
    Empowerment
    Foster care
    Feminism
    Spirituality
    Gentrification
    Bullying
    Immigration
    LGBTQ+ and gender identity
    Racism and discrimination
    Poverty and wealth disparity
    Police brutality and abuse of power
    Legalization of marijuana
    #MeToo
    Animal cruelty
    Climate change and sea-level rise
    Peer pressure and conformity
    Substance abuse
    Prison reform and privatization
    Romance and relationships

  • Feedback

    “I learned how rewarding and almost stress-relieving it can be to put your beliefs in a physical form.”

    “The most meaningful part was expressing a concept that I was afraid to express to the world.”

    “I stepped out of my comfort zones to talk to people more.”

    “To bring about change, you need to help others realize the problem.”

    “I am now motivated to better my community.”

Participating Schools

  • 2023–24
    Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High
    Hialeah Senior High
    John A. Ferguson Senior High
    Miami Springs Senior High
    New World School of the Arts
    Robert Morgan Educational Center
    South Miami Senior High
    Young Women's Preparatory Academy
  • 2022–23

    Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH)
    Dr. Michael Krop Senior High
    John A. Ferguson Senior High
    Miami Norland Senior High
    Miami Springs Senior High
    Miami Sunset Senior High
    New World School of the Arts
    TERRA Environmental Research Institute
    Young Women's Preparatory Academy

  • 2021–22

    G. Holmes Braddock Senior High
    MAST@FIU
    Miami Norland Senior High
    New World School of the Arts
    North Miami Senior High
    South Miami Senior High
    TERRA Environmental Research Institute

  • 2020–21

    Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH)
    iPreparatory Academy
    MAST@FIU
    Miami Central Senior High
    South Miami Senior High
    TERRA Environmental Research Institute

  • 2019–20

    Cutler Bay Senior High
    Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH)
    Dr. Michael Krop Senior High
    G. Holmes Braddock Senior High
    iPreparatory Academy
    John A. Ferguson Senior High
    Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial High
    MAST@FIU
    TERRA Environmental Research Institute

  • 2018–19

    Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH)
    Dr. Michael Krop Senior High
    G. Holmes Braddock Senior High
    iPreparatory Academy
    International Studies Preparatory Academy
    Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial High
    Miami Beach Senior High
    Miami Central Senior High
    School for Advanced Studies
    South Miami Senior High

  • 2017–18

    G. Holmes Braddock Senior High
    Hialeah Gardens High
    iPreparatory Academy
    Jose Marti MAST 6-12 Academy
    Miami Beach Senior High
    Miami Norland Senior High
    Southwest Miami Senior High
    TERRA Environmental Research Institute

  • 2016–17

    COPE Center North
    Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High
    G. Holmes Braddock Senior High
    iPreparatory Academy
    Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial High
    Miami Beach Senior High
    Miami Sunset Senior High

The Wolfsonian's Zines for Progress program meets CPalms State of Florida Educational Standards.