826 National

826 National amplifies the impact of our national network of youth writing and publishing centers, and the words of young authors. We serve as an international proof point for writing as a tool for young people to ignite and channel their creativity, explore identity, advocate for themselves and their community, and achieve academic and professional success.

38,505

Students Served at 826 Chapters

31,095

Students Reached By 826 Digital

993

Student Publications

1,194

Teachers Served

1,972

After-School Tutoring Sessions

4,073

Active Volunteers

434

In-School Projects

895

Field Trips

323

Writing Workshops

Our students’ words will make you smile, think, sigh, cry so hard you laugh, and laugh so much you cry. Get ready to be inspired.

Read Student Work Here.

Join 826 Digital, our free online platform for all educators featuring writing curriculum that inspires students to write with confidence.

Grades 1-6

Narrative, Poetry

Creative Recipes

By Jillian Wasick, 826 Valencia

What are students made of? This activity prompts students to reimagine recipes and write about their life experiences.

Spark

Grades 3-6

Narrative, Persuasive

Dream Schools

By Ashley Smith, 826 Valencia

Students design dream schools filled with creative and imaginative elements to improve learning, complete with origin stories, illustrated designs, and sales pitches.

Project

Grades 6-10

Poetry, Visual, Performing Media Arts

Poets in Revolt!

By Ola Faleti, 826CHI

The pen is mightier than the sword. In this lesson, students learn there's no better evidence of this than the poetry behind social movements.

Lesson

Grade 1-5

Social-Emotional Learning

From a Friend

By Nicolien Buholzer, 826LA

In this lesson, students write letters to someone special and reflect on the impact of being kind towards others. Students discuss the role that empathy and kindness has played in their lives, and the lives of those around them.

Lesson

Grades 6-8

Narrative, Visual, Performing, and Media Arts

The Illustrated Word

By Jillian Wasick, 826 Valencia

In this activity, students illustrate a favorite word and explore what makes words meaningful through illustration, research, and discussion.

Spark

Events, Get Involved

Expanding Higher Ed Access With The Great College Essay Project

October 18, 2019

Transcripts, letters of recommendation, standardized tests — it’s the time of year when high school seniors are checking items off their college admissions to-do lists. And then there’s the all-important application essay, the chance to convey in a few hundred … Continue reading →

Friends of 826

Ring in the Holidays (and Support 826!) With ‘A Very She & Him Christmas’

December 4, 2019

‘Tis the season for carols and jingles — and singing along to a classic holiday album: A Very She & Him Christmas! Recorded by Zooey Deschanel (She) & M. Ward (Him) and released in 2011 by Merge Records, an independent record … Continue reading →

826 In The News, Video

Michelle Obama Says Hello to 826DC

November 2, 2018

“Keep writing, keep working hard, and know that I’m thinking about you, and I’m proud of you.” Last week, magic really happened at 826DC when students received a special message from fellow writer, Michelle Obama. Writing can be hard sometimes, but … Continue reading →