Literacy in Action

First Draft Academy

Write on Sports Featured on GMA

About First Draft Academy

First Draft Academy is a nonprofit literacy organization dedicated to helping students from under-resourced communities strengthen their writing skills, critical thinking, and self-confidence through subjects that spark their curiosity. Using the lens of journalism, its Programs include Write on Sports, Write on Arts, and The Media Lab.

First Draft Academy delivers its programs through a flexible set of formats designed to meet the needs of students, schools, and community partners.

Our delivery models include two or three-week summer sessions, multi-week after-school programs, and single- or multi-session workshops. Through these authentic learning experiences, students have exposure to higher education, career pathways, and industry engagement.

First Draft Academy Programs

Program Delivery Models

Summer Session

Two and Three-week summer sessions

After School

Multi-week after school programs

Workshops

Single and multi-session workshops

Our Impact

First Draft Academy helps middle school students from underserved communities develop literacy skills and build self-confidence using the lens of sports and arts, and the tools of journalism.

Middle school students enhance their critical thinking and learn how to effectively tell stories at our writing programs.

Most of all, they learn that anything is possible with passion, effort, and the support of people who care.

News & Events

Write on Sports Becomes First Draft Academy and Names Shannon M. Schmitt as Executive Director

January 30, 2026

First Draft Academy is the new parent organization name overseeing our suite of educational programs. Under this centralized structure, Write on Sports will continue to serve as our flagship initiative, advancing youth literacy through sports journalism. In addition, Write on Arts and The Media Lab will remain integral components of our programmatic opportunities, each contributing to our broader mission of empowering young people through the lens of journalism, which builds self-confidence, critical thinking, and literacy skills in middle school students. This transition reflects our commitment to strategic growth, operational clarity, and sustained impact across disciplines.

The Powerful Connection of Literacy Skill Building and Self-Confidence

November 20, 2025

Discover how literacy skills—reading, writing, listening, and critical thinking—empower students with confidence, self-expression, and advocacy. Explore everyday strategies and the impact of programs like Write on Sports.

How Women’s Sports and Young Storytellers are Shaping the Future

November 14, 2025

Explore how women’s sports are reshaping culture through rising fandom, powerful storytelling, and youth journalism. From star athletes to student voices at Write on Sports, this article highlights the movement for visibility, equality, and lasting impact.

Years of Success

Students Served

0 +

Communities Served

Teacher / Student Ratio

1 :1

Make an Impact Become a Corporate Sponsor

Corporate sponsorship of First Draft Academy’s many creative writing programs helps provide valuable opportunities for companies to support literacy skills for middle school students from underserved communities.

Change a student’s life, and give them a path to accomplish their dreams.

Great futures start here: YOU can make a difference!

First Draft Academy works with under-resourced communities and school districts, focusing on middle school students, to improve their literacy skills by tapping into their passion – sports, the arts or whatever makes them tick!

Team Players

The First Draft Academy Literacy Ambassadors are professional journalists and athletes who engage with students and support the organization’s growth throughout the year.