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
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
Introducing 826DC’s New Writing Services
We’re trying something new! 826DC is launching a new paid service to support students & families through the college essay process. Why? Because we have expertise in helping students write a compelling & unique college essay, and we’re pretty good at working with teenagers. We’re thrilled to open our services to more families and provide […]
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Introducing Books & Bites by 826DC
Join us in our magical writing space for Books & Bites, a gathering designed to bring together friends, supporters, and curious community members to learn more about 826DC and experience our work up close. Depending on the date, we’ll start the day together over breakfast and bites or wind down with happy hour refreshments. Whether […]
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The Big Book Bash
THE BIG BOOK BASH — MAY 16, 2026 This spring, we will be releasing our 20th and 21st professionally published youth anthologies and we think that deserves a BIG celebration. Please save the date for 826DC’s Big Book Bash at Arena Stage on Saturday, May 16th at 5:00pm. We will be releasing our newest Young Authors Book Project, a […]
Read more about The Big Book Bash