Young people have important things to say
826DC helps DC students strengthen their writing skills, share what matters to them, and build a lifelong relationship with writing.
Programs
Free, year-round writing and publishing programs for DC students ages 6-18
We host programs at our Columbia Heights writing center, in schools, and in community spaces across the city.
After-School Writing Lab
A writing community for students, hosted at 826DC.
Read more about After-School Writing Lab
In-School Writing, Editing, and Publishing
Flexible short-and long-term writing residencies in collaboration with K-12 teachers.
Read more about In-School Writing, Editing, and Publishing
Writing Workshops
Exploratory writing sessions across diverse topics and genres, outside of school.
Read more about Writing Workshops
Reading All-Stars
A Saturday morning literacy program for elementary school students at the Mount Pleasant Library.
Read more about Reading All-Stars
Field Trips
Two-hour writing and bookmaking experiences for the whole class.
Read more about Field Trips
Young Authors’ Book Project
A full-year classroom writing project, culminating in a book to be shared with readers across DC.
Read more about Young Authors’ Book Project
Resources
Spark a love of writing in your classroom
Check out our library of tips, tricks, and techniques to make teaching and learning writing skills more dynamic and fun.
Get Involved
Make magic happen
826DC is sustained by people who care as much as we do about young people. From jobs and internships, to volunteering, to donating, we invite you to help us support writing education in more classrooms.
Latest News
Foreword to “Now I See with Open Eyes”
Check out the author Dr. Tony Keith Jr.’s foreword for Now I See with Open Eyes, the newest book from 826DC’s Young Authors’ Book Project!
Read more about Foreword to “Now I See with Open Eyes”
826DC’s Board, In Their Words
Any nonprofit would be lucky to have a Board like ours. 826DC’s Board members are incredible advocates for our students, our work, and our city! Check out what inspires some of them:
Read more about 826DC’s Board, In Their Words
What’s Happening: Spring/Summer 2025
So many events! There’s a lot happening at 826DC this spring and summer, and we’d love to have you involved.
Read more about What’s Happening: Spring/Summer 2025