First Draft Academy

Our Impact

97%

of our students say their writing improved

“I have become a more confident and stronger writer who no longer struggles when writing essays at school.”

87% of students gave the highest quality rating of First Draft Academy staff.

78% of students would be willing to return to the First Draft Academy camp beyond their eligibility.

93%

of parents would recommend the program to other parents.

“Her writing improved, she made new friends, and enjoyed her time at Write on Sports so much that she often talks about hoping to return as an intern when she is older.”

“Getting out there, on a college campus, trips to sports events, and actually interviewing players. All incredibly invaluable!”

National and local assessments of middle school students' writing ability suggest that many students are lacking the skills they need to succeed in high school and beyond. Write on Sports and Write on Arts are proven literacy and journalism programs that inspires teen boys and girls to write about sports and arts.

Fact

The lack of writing proficiency limits student growth as they move from middle school to high school.

The Solution

Focus on middle school students - a critical time in academic development.

Fact

Writing Proficiency is directly correlated to reading proficiency. "Nation’s Report Card" has seen a negative trend in reading proficiency in the last 10 years across all student groups.

The Solution

Focus on middle school students - a critical time in academic development.

Fact

Parents and teachers will seek alternative solutions to assist struggling students. "In preparing for fall...educators will likely need to consider ways to support students who are academically behind and further differentiate instruction."

The Solution

Address "Three L's” that hinder students development:
#1 - Lack of Motivation
#2 - Loss of Confidence
#3 - Limited Time devoted to Writing at School

Testimonials

"Thank you for giving my son the opportunity to participate in Write on Sports. While he has always enjoyed writing, the combination of learning interview techniques while honing his writing skills and meeting athletes made for an exciting and enriching experience for him this summer. He also loved learning to use new technologies for the video project and has already expressed an interest in returning to the program next year. Many thanks to the WoS staff members and teachers who made it all possible. It’s a terrific program that I have recommended to many other parents."

“There is only one way to teach writing, and that’s to write, and write, and write. And it helps if there is constructive feedback on the spot from trained educational specialists. Write on Sports uses the medium of sports, a subject that generates interest in kids across gender and socio-economic lines, to get kids to write. This is not a sports writing camp; it’s a writing camp with sound pedagogical principles wrapped in the subject of sports. “

"I have had 2 children go through this program and I recommend it to friends all the time. My children came away with skills in editing, computer usage, speaking and interview skills as well as team work…I was impressed by the growth I noticed in Onyedika's writing from her article on soccer. She enjoyed the program more than she thought."

“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.”

“Thanks again for the work you all do. It has definitely ignited a spark in Karan. He is a much better writer from all the hours he spent with you all.”

"Write on Sports has helped me, overall, in school. My self-expression skills have improved and a blank piece of paper is no longer a fear! Before, I used to think writing was something they made us do. Now it’s something I like to do.”

“Any opportunity to inspire our young writers beyond the school day or in this case beyond the school year is a benefit to all of those involved. The creative approach using sports as a "hook" also seems to meet and exceed our learner's interest level. Finally, holding the summer program at the outstanding facilities at Montclair State University only expands our student's real-world connections to the journalism field in a very motivating manner."

"I learned how hearing everyone's opinions changes yours"

"I learned about how if people care about a topic, they can have a good discussion."

"I learned that I need to get a lot of research to write a good article."

"I learned that in order to be a good reporter you need to show eye contact and be a good listener."

"Some thing I learned: how to be a little more open-minded. Listen because a person could make you rethink a question a little deeper."

Support Tomorrow's All-Stars

The last few years have presented significant learning challenges and economic hardship for many young people. First Draft Academy, however, continues to stay on course in the face of uncertain times. Now, more than ever, First Draft Academy needs your financial support.

Join me in continuing and advancing this important mission to change the lives of middle school students. Help them build confidence and literacy skills through tuition-free workshops and camps.

Together, we can help them achieve their goals.

Peter King

NBC Sports, First Draft Academy Trustee