Little did we know when Healthy NewsWorks published its first student newspaper 20 years ago that we would reach thousands of children with our unique multidisciplinary program of literacy, journalism, and health. We’ve been excited to see over the years how these experiences engage kids in learning, build skills and confidence, and help prepare them for future opportunities.
With the encouragement of the schools and communities we work in as well as others that would like to offer Healthy NewsWorks to their students, we have set an ambitious goal of doubling the number of children we reach annually to 3,000 over the next few years.
To help us reach that milestone, we are embarking on a three-year Building a Healthy Future campaign to raise $1 million. We already have received more than $100,000 in contributions and pledges. We hope you will join us.Â
Our story
Healthy NewsWorks works in under-resourced elementary and middle schools in the Philadelphia region. In partnership with classroom teachers, we deliver programs that engage children ages 5 to 14 in health-focused journalism and are aligned with both the national Common Core English Language Arts and National Health Education Standards. Our unique curriculum integrates reading, writing, health, math, science, media literacy, and civics—plus hands-on experiential learning.
The student reporters interview local and national experts in science, medicine, and related fields; learn to distinguish fact from fiction and opinion; strengthen their writing; and build self-confidence. They work in teams to deliver relevant, accurate health information through newspapers, magazines, videos, and digital media for their school communities.
In one eighth grader’s words:
“I learned more on how walking can affect your health. I learned about anxiety. I learned about nature. I learned about how the glaciers have a big impact on our world. And I learned how to professionally interview. I learned how to write better papers. I learned more things about local farming and the impact it has. I also learned about how certain activities can help your heart rate and get it pumping.“
Our campaign
We are seeking the support of individuals who want to invest in this program’s positive impact on our students and communities. There are so many ways you can help:
- Make a gift, recurring gift, or pledge through our donation portal.
- Send a check to Healthy NewsWorks, P.O. Box 431, Drexel Hill, PA 19026.
- Ask your employer for a matching gift.
- Request a grant through a donor-advised fund.
- If you are 70½ or older with an individual retirement account, you can make a qualified charitable contribution directly to Healthy NewsWorks (up to $100,000 maximum per year) without federal income tax on the money withdrawn to fund the gift.
- Introduce us to friends who might become Healthy NewsWorks supporters.
Please contact Healthy NewsWorks Executive Director Marian Uhlman with any questions.
Healthy NewsWorks is a registered charitable organization. The official registration and financial information of Healthy NewsWorks may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling, toll-free within Pennsylvania, 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
