What is 826 National?
826 National is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to supporting students and educators in youth writing education. We believe that every student in every classroom should have the access to the power and joy of writing, no matter what classroom they sit in. At 826 National, we further the writing education landscape by creating more acesss to better writing education and more platforms to amplify student voices.
We are striving to spark the power and joy of writing for a more just world. Our ultimate vision is to create a country where writing education and its transformative effects on creativity, identity, advocacy, and personal success are accessible to all.
What does 826 National do?
826 National creates more access to better writing education and amplifies student voices by supporting the impact of 826 writing and publishing centers, by:
- providing Network support across all nine chapters
- conducting and publishing research reports on writing education and 826’s impact on its students and their communities
- providing free educational resources for families and teachers through 826 Digital
- providing a larger platform for young voices through publishing student writing from students all across the country (not just those at 826 writing centers) in books and online at 826 Digital Student Writing Gallery
What is 826/the 826 Network?
826 is the largest youth writing network in the country, serving 470,000 students in nine chapters across the U.S. and online through 826 Digital, a platform to support teachers with an entire catalog of writing curricula, from prompts to to projects to student-written mentor text. From coast to coast and many places in between, we provide students from under-resourced communities with free, high-quality, engaging writing and publishing programs in inspiring, inclusive, and creative spaces. Each chapter has an imaginative storefront that serves as a fun gateway for families, teachers, and volunteers to connect with students and community members.
Check out our chapters page to read about our network of nine chapters located in Ann Arbor/Detroit/Ypsilanti, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Washington, DC., and New Orleans.
You can also find us online at 826 Digital.
What is 826 Digital?
826 Digital is our entirely free resource platform with writing prompts, lessons, projects, and more for every grade from the 826 Network. 826 Digital hosts a collection of Common Core aligned activities, handouts, flexible lesson plans and more. You can bookmark, share, and download any resource. Created by education experts, 826 Digital brings the 826 Network spirit and methodology to homes, classrooms, and programs everywhere.
While designed with classrooms in mind, these lessons can be adapted and used in all learning spaces, including out-of-school time programs, community centers, libraries, and other programs.
Why is it called 826?
826 was co-founded by author Dave Eggers and educator Niníve Caligieri to support teachers in providing individualized attention by connecting community members with students to help with homework and provide innovative writing programming through a writing center and eventually in the classroom. They opened the first 826 storefront and writing center in San Francisco on 826 Valencia Street, thus starting the first 826 chapter and giving the Network its iconic name.
What is the 826 movement?
The 826 movement revolves around putting the power of writing in the hands of young people who otherwise would not have access to the transformative power and joy that writing provides.
From coast to coast, in 826-inspired organizations around the globe, and in thousands of classrooms in between, we provide students from under-resourced communities with high-quality, engaging writing and publishing programs in inspiring, inclusive, and creative spaces.
Where can I find an 826 chapter?
Our chapters are located and serve the communities in Boston, Chicago, DC, Los Angeles, Detroit/Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York, New Orleans, and San Francisco. Find your local 826 chapter here.
Don’t have a local chapter nearby? Check out 826 Digital, where you can find free educational resources for parents, teachers, and students. Learn more at 826digital.com.
What does it mean to be an 826 chapter?
Chapters in the 826 Network are linked by a formal chapter affiliation agreement. This agreement defines the relationship between each chapter and 826 National, outlines our agreed standards, and also details what each 826 core program entails. Only official chapters are allowed to use the 826 name.
How did 826 National start?
826’s first chapter, 826 Valencia, opened its doors in San Francisco’s Mission District in 2002. Author Dave Eggers and award-winning educator Nínive Calegari co-founded 826 Valencia as a place where students, parents, and families from under-resourced schools nearby could access after-school tutoring, workshops, field trips, and writing programs — all free of charge. Soon after, 826NYC and 826LA opened their doors in Brooklyn and Echo Park to offer the same programs to their communities. Due to the popularity of the model and the opening of four additional chapters, Eggers and Calegari then co-founded 826 National in 2008 to support the existing chapters and manage the opening of future chapters ad the expansion of 826 programs.
How can I get involved with 826?
There are lots of ways to join the 826 movement!
- Volunteer at your local 826 chapter. Find your chapter here! If you’re not near and 826 Chapter, consider sharing the opportunity with contact who are!
- Sign up for a free account at 826 Digital, our online platform for parents, teacher, and students, for free writing education resources.
- Read and share our latest research papers. Learn about our current state of writing education and how 826 impacts our communities here. We invite you to share this information with your local community, educators, and school district, too!
- Donate to 826 National. No gift is too small, and every contribution helps create more access to a better writing education for everyone.
- Buy an 826 book online or at your local 826. All 826 books are written by younger writers in your community and across the country.
- Spread the word! Stay connected with the work of 826 National and 826 Network chapters by following us on social media and through our newsletters.
I’m a parent, how can I get my children involved with 826?
Our chapters are located in across the country in nine US cities. You can find your local 826 here.
If you don’t live near an 826, you can bring the 826 spirit and methodology right into your own home with 826 Digital. 826 Digital is an online platform that hosts a collection of engaging, adaptable, standards-based resources designed to captivate young writers and empower their educators and showcases student writing at the 826 Digital Writing Gallery. Explore more at 826digital.com!
I’m a teacher. How can I get my students involved/bring 826 into my classroom?
We are always excited to connect with educators who are excited about writing and innovative education—truly, you are our heroes and we appreciate the work you do each and every day.
Our chapters are located in across the country in nine US cities. You can find your local 826 here. If you don’t live near an 826, you can bring the 826 spirit and methodology right into your own home with 826 Digital. 826 Digital is an online platform that hosts a collection of engaging, adaptable, standards-based resources designed to captivate young writers and empower their educators and showcases student writing at the 826 Digital Writing Gallery.
How can I start an 826 chapter?
We are currently working with the 826 Dallas Project in our Chapter Development Process. Our Letter of Interest Period, the first step in the 826 Chapter Development Process—is otherwise closed, but please sign up for our newsletter and follow us at @826National on all socials for updates on future opportunities. Most immediately, there are a number of ways to get involved and to connect your community with 826 resources.
Can I visit an 826 chapter to learn more about the work you do?
Due to the high volume of requests, limited staff time, and a priority focus on the quality of our student programming, our chapter teams are unfortunately unable to accommodate a personalized visit, though we sincerely appreciate your interest! If you are near and 826 chapter currently or if you will be during any future travels, we DO encourage you to visit their imaginative storefront, as you’ll get a great feel of the atmosphere created at the center. Don’t forget to pick up some student publications while you’re there!
We also encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter and follow 826 National and 826 Chapter socials. We’ll be excited to stay in touch with new developments at 826, including any expansion of our work through new resources or training programs.
How can I get my student published?
826 Digital hosts various opportunities for students to be published in anthologies and online. There is currently an opportunity for students to submit their work via the 826 Digital Writers’ Showcase. Create a free account on 826 Digital to stay in the loop on future opportunities!
Where can I purchase an 826 book?
We’re so glad you asked! You can check out a selection of publications on the 826 Digital Bookstore and also visit chapters websites and storefronts — in person and online!
How can I partner with 826?
We would love to speak with you about your philanthropic interests and the ways in which you would like to join the movement by supporting our efforts. Please contact: donate@826national.org and we will be in touch with you soon! Thank you for your interest in advancing our mission.
How can I make a donation to 826?
826 National’s impact is made possible thanks to generous supporters like you. No gift is too small and every contribution matters. Learn more about how you can give to 826 National here.
I’m a member of the media. Who can I contact about media opportunities?
Thank you so much for your interest in highlighting 826 National’s and the Network’s work to create more access to a more powerful and joyful writing education in America. For all media inquiries, please contact our Communications Manager at zaneta@826national.org.
What if I still have questions?
Send your questions to information@826national.org! Due to the volume of emails, please allow 3-5 business days for a response. Thank you for your patience!
