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

826 Dallas Project’s first book examines culture, race, and COVID-19

May 21, 2020

“My friends, whom I shared these past four years with all are capable of changing the world, literally. I have no doubt that many of them will go on to do great things. And it is because of this feeling … Continue reading →

Friends of 826

This Moment is a Message: The 826 National Network During COVID-19

May 8, 2020

“Writing is a gift in a time like this. Now is the time to do our best work. This moment is a message. The message is not to stop writing. Write harder. Write more. Write your truth.”— National Book Award-winner … Continue reading →

Student Writing

In Poets in Revolt! young people write for empathy and justice

April 20, 2020

“Let’s write / make things right.” –Paris A., Grade 9, 826LA Whether it’s the March for Our Lives, the Youth Climate Strike, or Black Lives Matter, young people are at the frontlines of combating injustice and changing the world. Poets … Continue reading →

While we’re all at home, it’s #agoodtimetowrite and a critical time to support the 826 National Network.