Addressing the writing crisis
In the United States, only 25% of 12th graders and 10% of Black and Hispanic students write at grade level proficiency. We think that’s a tragedy. It’s also completely preventable.
710k+
students reached annually
86%
of 826 students that identity as students of color
3,000
active volunteers annually
18k+
educators supported annually
Student Publishing
Today’s student writers are tomorrow’s leaders
At 826, success means giving every student an equal opportunity to build writing skills and publish their stories.
Narrative Writing
What’s Reality Anymore
Genevieve W. , Grade 12, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student recounts a time when they were questioning the point of existence.
Read moreNarrative Writing
What’s Reality Anymore
Genevieve W. , Grade 12, 826CHI
In this personal narrative, a student recounts a time when they were questioning the point of existence.
Read more
Poetry
Nosey Much
Kayla M., Grade 12, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Read morePoetry
Nosey Much
Kayla M., Grade 12, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Read more
Fantasy and Sci-FiNarrative Writing
Mission: Life on Mars?
Elaine, Grade 5, 826 Boston
Elaine is grateful for her home and her lovely family. She especially loves playing peek-a-boo with her one-year-old nephew. She hopes to graduate from college with a degree in forensic psychology, and to have a stable, professional job, like an FBI agent.
Read moreFantasy and Sci-FiNarrative Writing
Mission: Life on Mars?
Elaine, Grade 5, 826 Boston
Elaine is grateful for her home and her lovely family. She especially loves playing peek-a-boo with her one-year-old nephew. She hopes to graduate from college with a degree in forensic psychology, and to have a stable, professional job, like an FBI agent.
Read more
Poetry
I Will Be a Lifesaver
Yazmine-Gizelle A., Grade 10, 826DC
In this poem, a student writes how she will grow up to save lives.
Read morePoetry
I Will Be a Lifesaver
Yazmine-Gizelle A., Grade 10, 826DC
In this poem, a student writes how she will grow up to save lives.
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Media WritingNarrative Writing
I am Innocent: A Dragonbolt Story
Johnny L., Grade 3, 826LA
A riveting interview with Godzilla, Superman, and Dragonbolt—a cast of characters that will try to outdo one another before this TV special is up.
Read moreMedia WritingNarrative Writing
I am Innocent: A Dragonbolt Story
Johnny L., Grade 3, 826LA
A riveting interview with Godzilla, Superman, and Dragonbolt—a cast of characters that will try to outdo one another before this TV special is up.
Read more
MemoirsNarrative Writing
A New Life
Joseline V., Grade 5, 826DC
Joseline is currently eleven years old. She lives in Washington, DC. She loves to draw to calm herself down and sing to entertain herself. When she grows up, she wants to be a doctor.
Read moreMemoirsNarrative Writing
A New Life
Joseline V., Grade 5, 826DC
Joseline is currently eleven years old. She lives in Washington, DC. She loves to draw to calm herself down and sing to entertain herself. When she grows up, she wants to be a doctor.
Read more
With 826, I learned the power of my voice.
Hawi
Grade 9, 826 MSP
826 Tenets
Helping students find the creative spark
We work to improve equity and increase access to writing education—while making writing the best part of every student’s day.
Leading with a culture of creativity
Providing welcoming and brave spaces
Collaborating with communities
Producing diverse programs and curricula
Celebrating student voices
Giving students agency over their work
Offering individualized support
Treating students as leaders
16,000+ published students annually in over 2,000 books and products
Research
Evidence-based excellence
We continually improve and refine 826 methodologies through internal and external research. Our annual report adds context to the growth and impact of our programs.
