Fuel Student Impact with Support to First Draft Academy

2026 was a year of growth for First Draft Academy. We successfully transitioned into a unified umbrella that organizes our Write on Sports, Write on Arts and Media Lab programs under one roof and gives us room to grow. Our Write on Arts program has doubled its enrollment year after year since its launch in 2024, and we are proud to share that in 2026, we established partnerships with two new school districts in New Jersey!

However, the year also came with its share of challenges. 2026 was a challenging year for educational nonprofits due to budget cuts that have made it difficult to continue growing programs. As many funders shifted their focus to basic needs like healthcare and food insecurity, organizations like ours received fewer opportunities for grant support. The fact is, First Draft Academy received $50,000 less in funding from last year — and it isn’t due to a lack of demand. Student need in the communities that we serve is as high as ever, just like the importance of our programs and the skills they instill.

Every dollar helps us execute our mission of providing literacy and communication education to students, and we understand how meaningful and important our donors’ generosity is. Whether it’s $25 or $25,000, your support protects access for students who need us the most. You can be the reason a student finds their voice, keeps asking questions, and builds skills that contribute to their future.

Please consider supporting First Draft Academy and our Curiosity Campaign. This story is still being written, and we would love for you to be a part of it.