About the Nonprofit
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Mighty Writers teaches kids of all ages to think clearly and write with clarity so they succeed in school and learn the transformative power of self-expression.
Mighty Writers was founded in 2009 by a longtime journalist who knew, from his own experience, how being a good, clear writer and communicator can open doors. He wanted kids in underresourced communities to have the opportunity to develop their own unique voices and learn from creative and dynamic teachers outside of school. So he made it happen, one Mighty writing center at a time.
Now, Mighty Writers teaches 5,000-plus kids each year at our nine Mighty centers across PA and NJ. We offer fun and engaging workshops, one-on-one mentoring and after-school programs in safe and inclusive spaces. Mighty Writers at Home brings our workshops to kids and families online, while Mighty Writers On the Road takes our programs to area schools and community centers. Mighty Writers Distribution provides groceries, diapers, books, clothing and school supplies — all for free.
Without Mighty Writers, grade-level literacy proficiency in the communities we serve hovers around 35% and high school graduation at 70%. With Mighty Writers, proficiency almost doubles and nearly all our teens graduate high school and go on to college, defying the statistics.
By emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, Mighty Writers prepares kids for all kinds of challenges they’ll face in the future, whether academic, interpersonal or professional. Being a good writer and clear thinker sets kids up for success, and learning these skills in community fosters connection, trust and empathy.
Because kids can’t think and write when they’re hungry, and their families can’t support them if they’re scrambling to meet basic needs, Mighty Writers Distribution ensures that families have the food and resources they require to focus on what’s important. Each year we give away thousands of pounds of food, millions of diapers and hundreds of books, among other essential items. Our distributions run several days a week at most of our locations.
Given the challenges our students face, we utilize mindfulness and social-emotional learning to teach kids to be emotionally resilient, cultivate their inner strength, and foster their overall sense of well-being. Ultimately, we want all Mighty students to be advanced thinkers and clear writers — college graduates who continue to reflect our Mighty values of kindness and integrity.
