Seventh and eighth graders at Edgecomb's Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) spent the last few weeks of school learning and writing about local nonprofit organizations in southern and midcoast Maine. They researched organizations online, called and emailed representatives, toured facilities, attended live events, and interviewed organization directors and employees. Each student then wrote an article providing background information about the issues or problems being addressed by their selected organizations. They included specific examples and quotes from individuals interviewed to highlight each organization's positive impact.

Carter Wilson researched Maine Big Night, Josee Winston-Feder researched Maine Organic Farm and Garden Association, Kelly Manahan research the Alna Community Garden's Food Pantry program, Lily Coleman researched Stepping Stone Housing, Morganne Phelps researched Hearty Roots, Alice Kutch researched P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center, Rita Hynes researched Maine's Inside Out, Mary Philbrick researched Healthy Kids, Ellie Cotta researched Girls on the Run, Fina Record researched the Maine Math and Science Alliance, Vivian McKinney researched Veggies to Table, and Octavia Aurora researched Action for Life.

Students in fourth through sixth grades selected two nonprofit organizations to receive a charitable donation from CTL after hearing each article read aloud: Action for LIfe, a nonprofit that is dedicated to educating and empowering immigrants in Maine, and Hearty Roots, an outdoor-based community wellness program that promotes meaningful connection to nature, self, and community. 

Advocacy journalism is one of several writing genres studied by seventh and eighth graders at CTL. For more information about CTL's writing program, or for general inquiries about the school, visit www.c-t-l.org or follow the school on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CTLKto8.