College Prep English: research, writing & documentation

College Prep English: A Research, Writing and Documentation Workshop

Program Type: Enrichment / Elective Program

Research, English Enrichment

Ages Served: 12-18 years old 

Meet Mrs. Kearce

Classes will be held at: 

Freeport Community Center, 902 Hwy 20 Suite 102, Freeport, Florida, on Tuesdays, September 8-October 13, from 9:00-11:00.
DeFuniak Springs at Time to be Present Wellness on Wednesdays, September 9-October 14 from 10:00-12:00.

To register, email kearcecrafted@gmail.com with FALL REGISTRATION in the subject line.

Writing For Life is a hands-on, integrated communications program designed for children aged 12-18. The program blends foundational communication concepts with organizational skills to foster inspiration, communication, critical thinking, organization, and presentation skills. Through guided research projects and age-appropriate instruction, students engage in experiential learning that supports critical thinking, organization, communication and self-expression. Writing for Life provides a safe, structured, and nurturing environment that encourages creativity while introducing students to real-world communication concepts in an accessible and engaging way.

Activities include topic development, research (including, but not limited to, library research, responsible online sources, and responsible AI sources), outlining and organizing content, guided individual projects, and presentation. Curriculum is developmentally appropriate and adjusted for age to ensure safe and effective learning outcomes.

Instructor / Provider Qualifications:

The program is led by an instructor holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications (Journalism/ English), with 12 years of professional experience as an Adjunct Instructor at NWFSC in Communication Arts (Preparatory English), including program development, education initiatives, and curriculum planning. Additional professional experience includes 25 years reporting, writing, and editing, as well as recently providing writing analysis for  AI training.

Employment background supports structured lesson design, learning outcomes, safety standards, and organizational oversight aligned with best practices for enrichment programming.

 

Program Length and Dates:

6-weekly sessions (two hours per class)

Tuesdays in Freeport, Florida 9:00-11:00 p.m.  Sept. 8-Oct.13 , 2026

Wednesdays in DeFuniak Springs, Florida 10:00-12:00. Sept 9- Oct. 14, 2026

Age-grouped instruction

 6-week Curriculum Outline:

Week 1: Introduction and Evaluation

•         Meet and greet instructor and classmates

•         Writing evaluation

•         Research topic exploration

•         Learning focus: Essay format and source assessment

Week 2: Research and Writing Begins

•         Use library, internet browser, and AI to determine scope of research

•         Review library protocols and best practices

•         Learn skills to use internet sources and AI responsibly

•         Learning focus: Responsible research and credible source development

Week 3: Outline and Organization

•         Produce a working essay outline

•         Define and develop primary sources

•         Develop a thesis statement

•         Learning focus: Preparing an outline and organizing information

Week 4: Research and Source Development

•         Continue research using various credible sources

•         Define and develop credible secondary sources

•         Develop first draft of essay using prepared outline

•         Learning focus: Responsible research and source development

Week 5: Writing and Editing

•         Develop second draft of essay

•         Proofread for clarity, punctuation, and grammar

•         Edit content for clarity and readability

•         Learning focus: Writing, proofreading, and editing

Week 6: Project Presentations

•         Verbal presentations of research projects/ essays

•         Group review of projects and constructive classroom feedback

•         Learning focus: Effective presentation, giving and receiving feedback and constructive criticism

Learning Objectives :

 • Develop research, writing and verbal communication skills

 • Strengthen problem-solving and critical thinking abilities

 • Enhance public speaking and verbal communication confidence

 • Encourage critical thinking and responsible research

 • Introduce foundational communication concepts in an age-appropriate way

 

Safety Policy Summary:

Writing for Life follows established safety procedures including age-appropriate materials, instructor supervision at all times, and clear behavior and emergency protocols.

All activities are designed with safety as a priority. Materials used are non-toxic and suitable for the age group. Attendance is monitored, and emergency contact information is maintained for all participants.

 

Attendance is recorded for each session and maintained for program documentation and Step Up For Students compliance.

 

Direct Pay Compliance:

Writing for Life accepts Step Up for Students scholarship funds via the EMA platform and complies with all direct payment documentation and service verification requirements.

 

Pricing Structure:

 • 6-Week Writing for Life Program: $480

 • Materials included

 

Writing for Life affirms compliance with all Step Up for Students provider requirements, including accurate service delivery, attendance tracking, and ethical use of scholarship funds.