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.

27,122

Students Served at 826 Chapters

81,965

Students Served Via 826 Digital

549

Student Publications

7,327

Educators Served

1,440

After-School Tutoring Sessions

3,948

Active Volunteers

178

In-School Projects

561

Field Trips

651

Writing Workshops Sessions

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 9-12

Narrative

Life in the Time of Coronavirus

By Princess McDowell, The 826 Dallas Project

Whether students write to process, to remember, to imagine, or to heal, this collection of prompts asks students to recognize how their world has changed in response to COVID-19.

Spark

Grade 4-12

Informational, Narrative, Persuasive

Essential Words: Letters of Gratitude to Essential Workers

By Cristeta Boarini, 826 MSP, and Skylar Burkhardt, 826 National

Few expressions of gratitude are more meaningful than a personalized letter. In this lesson, students reach out to essential workers and return their acts of service and kindness by giving thanks.

Lesson

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

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 6-8

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

826 In The News

Writing and Research: The Truth About Writing Education in America

January 22, 2021

In our new report “The Truth About Writing Education in America: Let’s Write, Make Things Right,” 826 National set out to understand the barriers to effective and accessible writing instruction for American students. While writing and the freedom it provides … Continue reading →

Chapter Highlights

Fostering civic engagement through writing

October 30, 2020

At 826, our work is centered on elevating youth voices by offering tools and platforms for self-expression. Through thought-provoking writing projects and lessons, we invite students to think critically about the world we live in and join the conversation around … Continue reading →

Get Involved

Support 826 National and the power of youth voices this holiday season

November 27, 2020

Writing is an act of joy and freedom. It has the power to open doors and catalyze new possibilities for young people. Through pencils, pens, and keyboards, our students conjure universes, build understanding and empathy, and write their paths forward. … Continue reading →

Supporting 826 National means supporting young writers like Amanda Gorman across the nation. Join us as we #WriteTheFuture!