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.

38,912

Students Served at 826 Chapters

40,470

Students Reached By 826 Digital

746

Student Publications

1,099

Teachers Served

1,739

After-School Tutoring Sessions

4,829

Active Volunteers

263

In-School Projects

805

Field Trips

1,005

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 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

Friends of 826

Essential Words: Students honor essential workers with words of encouragement

November 24, 2020

Ever since the coronavirus pandemic started, we’ve been encouraging students to share their voices in an essential way and send letters of gratitude to people who could use support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the values of essential workers as … 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 →

826 Network students think and write critically about the world we live in. Help nurture their essential voices with a gift to 826 National this holiday season.