First Draft Academy

Montclair State University

A Literacy Enrichment Program

Eligible students are rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders.

Write on Sports uses the theme of sports as a way to connect with students in an authentic and meaningful way.

During the summer session, we turn the students into sports writers to strengthen their writing and literacy skills. Students choose a theme and identify a project, including a feature article, video, or podcast. Finished videos are shared on the First Draft Academy YouTube Channel, giving students a platform to showcase their work.

Another feature of camp is Guest Day, bringing in professional journalists (from TV, radio, and print media outlets) and athletes (ranging from college, professional, and retired professionals). We include a sports-related field trip.

Montclair State University (MSU) serves as a central location for hosting multiple WoS Summer sports writing camp programs. The MSU location welcomes students from the North Jersey area. This location has limited space per group.

Program Location

Montclair State University

1 Normal Ave
Montclair, NJ 07043

Write on Arts, Write on Sports

Summer Session

Dates
July 2026

Eligability
Rising 7th, 8th and 9th grade students

Program Fees
10-day program – $500
12-day program – $600

Students who attend a partnering school district will have the program fee discounted and/or waived.

Partnering School Districts are as follows:

Paterson Public Schools
Kearny Public Schools
Hillside Public Schools
West Orange Public Schools
Clifton Public Schools
Hawthorne Public Schools
Newark Public Schools

Registration Fee
$25 (non-refundable)

Tuition Support
Tuition Support is available on a sliding scale. Contact shannon@writeonsports.org for more information.

Media Lab

Workshop

Summer Literacy Lab at Montclair State University

The media lab summer session at Montclair University runs in collaboration with Red Hawk Summer Labs 2026.

Dates
Media Lab runs on Fridays only
7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31

“I remember the first time I walked through those doors, I was nervous but about the fourth day, everything changed. Now it’s the last day – it’s like I don’t want to leave.”

– Caleel Baker, Write on Sports Alumni

Leadership

Andy Beutel

Education Program Director

Andy Beutel has been working with Write on Sports (now First Draft Academy) since 2007. As Director of Education he oversees all things academic for Write on Sports and Write on Arts, including updating and adapting the curriculum for different programs, and providing training and support for teachers. Andy also serves as the lead teacher for new summer programs as well as workshops during the school year. He is a veteran middle school social studies teacher who has published articles and led professional development about curriculum and pedagogy.

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!