TCS Sixth Grader Named Finalist in Pulitzer Center Contest

The Children’s School is thrilled to announce that sixth grader Alex Rosenberg was named a finalist in the Pulitzer Center’s 2024 Local Letters for Global Change contest. Alex’s thoughtful letter to Georgia Senator and TCS alum Jon Ossoff addressed hazardous working conditions faced by Chinese factory workers and earned him a spot as a finalist in the human rights category.

The Local Letters for Global Change contest challenges students to identify real-world problems reported in the news and take informed action by writing persuasive letters to leaders who can make a difference. All sixth graders in Cara Reece’s humanities classes participated in this global contest, which drew nearly 1,200 entries from 39 countries and 26 U.S. states. Only 21 letters were selected as finalists or winners, and Alex’s was among them.

In his letter, Alex highlighted the dangerous exposure to toxic chemicals and unsafe working environments faced by Chinese factory workers. He also highlighted the hazardous working conditions experienced by migrant workers in Georgia, emphasizing the need for improved labor laws to protect workers both locally and globally. Alex proposed actionable solutions, including mandatory on-site auditors, updated factory equipment, and the use of cameras to ensure worker safety and accountability.

“I’m writing this letter because I know you have put some effort into getting labor laws for migrants in Georgia, but also improving U.S. and international labor laws,” Alex wrote as he urged Senator Ossoff to champion worker protections. Click here to read Alex’s full letter.

Alex’s achievement illustrates many of the skills learned through project-based learning (PBL) at TCS. Through PBL, students tackle real-world challenges, develop critical thinking and communication skills, and learn to envision practical solutions to complex issues. The Pulitzer Center contest provided an authentic platform for Alex to apply these skills and make his voice heard on a global stage.

Congratulations to Alex on this incredible accomplishment! His dedication to raising awareness about human rights issues reflects the values of TCS and inspires us all to take action for a better world.