We Believe

that great leaps in learning can come from one-on-one attention and that building writing skills leads to future success. For our city's youth, 826DC offers these opportunities - right in the heart of the District of Columbia. Make magic happen with us today.

Our Programs

help students of all ages write their own paths forward—and have fun doing it. At risk for a zombie apocalypse? We've got a writing workshop lesson plan for that. Running for Kid President? We can help a student craft her winning platform. From the serious to the silly, we're ready to create with you.

My Life as a Dog/Shark

"I jumped into action, ran into the water, swam over to that person, and bit the jellyfish without getting shocked. Here comes my favorite part, I thought."

The Tiger

Nael

Grade 1

The tiger He destroyed his cage Yes YES The tiger is out Originally published in “They’re Singing a Song in Their Rocket” and “You Will Be Able to Say a Thousand Words”

Treseat

Grade 10

In my city, Washington D.C., the buildings that crowd our streets are often colored. They have been, at times, temporarily decorated in the bright colors of Shepard Fairey’s famous stencil of President Obama; or otherwise come to be part of the very fabric of the city – John Bailey’s mural of Marilyn Monroe in Woodley Park comes to mind, as well Byron Pecks’ icon image of Duke Ellington on the True Reformer building overlooking the U-Street corridor.

Make a Donation Today

A gift of any amount helps make our creative writing programs free for district students.

Support 826DC

Student Publishing

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Publishing young authors is kind of our thing.

After-School Writing Lab

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We want your homework. Seriously.

Field Trips

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Creative and project-based fun.

Writing Workshops

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Free workshops that foster creativity.

Reading All-stars

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Saturday morning reading program.

In-Schools

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Flexible and Teacher-Driven In-School Residencies.

What's New

Featured News, Press and stories from 826DC

Staff Spotlight: Kelsey and Brandi

Kelsey and Brandi, two awesome AmeriCorps VISTA service members, recently joined our team of magic makers!

Meet Our New Development and Communications Manager!

Sarah Richman joined us as our new Development and Communications Manager this summer! We sat down with her at Tivoli’s Astounding Magic Supply Co.

From the Pages of “Life in the City: Past, Present, and Future”

This summer, the Walking Gemstones Summer Writing Intensive Class of 2018 created and published “Life in the City: Past, Present, and Future.” The book reflects a two-week intellectual journey full of wild animals, towering buildings, urban gardens, and sprawling maps.

Advice from 826DC Summer 2018 Interns

Summer is quickly coming to a close. After a wonderful programming season, our summer cohort shared some advice for future interns: “My one tip to future interns would be to make an effort to visit our community partners.

Community Partners Spotlight: Sacred Heart & Mt. Pleasant Library

Here at 826DC, we know that it takes a village to help our students grow. We partner with other community-based organizations throughout the year to create a support network for our students wherever they might go in the District.

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