Paddlestar Galactica, the ping-pong tournament event supporting 826DC’s programs, returns on Saturday, April 27th, 1 PM to 4 PM at SPIN DC! Learn more and sign up here.
Open Enrollment Program

After-School Writing Lab

A writing community for students, hosted at 826DC.

Interested in After-School Writing Lab?

Apply Now

The school week has never been this fun

After-School Writing Lab (AWL) is a group of young writers and mentors that meets after school at our 826DC writing center in Columbia Heights! We build our community through short writing and publishing projects, play games, enjoy 826DC’s onsite library, and hold space for homework help and choice-based small group activities. Students build confidence, strengthen their writing skills, and make friends with fellow authors.

After-School Writing Lab prioritizes applications from DC-based families whose students are eligible for free or reduced lunch or self-identify as English Language Learners.

An 826DC student and intern

Students get writing support from trained volunteers, 826DC staff, and guest teaching artists

Each semester, we publish student stories in chapbooks like this one

AWL students sit in a circle

Students build friendships with other young writers from across the District

We explore different writing genres and styles

Spread from the book

We hire independent artists to illustrate student stories

Interested in After-School Writing Lab?

Apply Now