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.
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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.
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Field Trips
Two-hour writing and bookmaking experiences for the whole class.
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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
ICYMI: Robyn Lingo on poetry and AI
826DC’s Executive Director Robyn Lingo just had a Letter to the Editor published in the Washington Post, all about why the human experience is still central to poetry!
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Foreword to “When Change Hits”
826DC’s After-School Writing Lab (AWL) students are about to publish a chapbook called When Change Hits. Check out the foreword by Tyler Grigsby, 826DC Community Programs Manager: Foreword to When Change Hits Back in September of 2024, 826DC’s After-School Writing Lab (AWL) kicked off the semester by introducing the theme of change. This was intentionally […]
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What’s Your Favorite Thing About Writing?
826DC students and staff shared their favorite parts of the writing experience and what it can do! Check out what they had to say:
Read more about What’s Your Favorite Thing About Writing?