This article provides an overview of the Writers Matter program, which allows adolescents to use their life stories as a vehicle for self-expression and writing skill development. Evaluations of the program have show increased writing skills among participating students in the areas of focus, content, organization, and grammar. Additional benefits of the program include increased motivation to write clearly and more succinctly, enhanced confidence and persistence, greater social awareness, and personal empowerment. Moreover, sharing journals with peers enables teens to see multiple perspectives on issues important to adolescents. (Contains 3 figures.)