Philadelphia’s economy may be on the uptick, but the education system is not. It is, in fact, failing.
According to a National Center for Education Statistics study from 2003, almost a quarter of the city can’t read beyond an 8th-grade level. Beginning in 2019, three schools a year will close down.
The Mighty Writers is a program that is working hard to change this.Through their workshops, they help students age 7-17 develop their writing skills and explore their voice. Their philosophy is that kids who master the written word will, in turn, have success in other parts of their adult life.
Currently, their 400 volunteer staff – including some of the city’s most prolific writers, teachers, and journalists – help more than 2,500 youth learn everything from playwriting to comic book creation.
“It’s not just a workshop,” Amy Banegas – the program administrator – told Nationswell. “It’s about self-growth and connecting the community.”
Aside from the expected grammar lessons, Mighty Writers also help kids reflect on and talk about their individual experiences. For example, they ask kids how they’d use their voices to advocate for equality and justice, or what they would do if they were president.
Students are also asked to keep a journal where they are free to write without worries about being docked points for incorrect grammar or spelling.
“I find value in [keeping a journal] because it’s a great way to let you know what you’re thinking and feeling,” said one 15-year-old, Vaughn Jr, told Nationswell. “It’s just keeping notes as to where you are as a person.”
