Young people have important things to say
826DC helps DC students build 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 Harriet Tubman Elementary School students.
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
826DC Honors Three Standout Supporters of Youth Voice
Washington, DC – May 30, 2023 – 826DC, the Columbia Heights-based youth writing nonprofit and local chapter of the nation’s largest youth writing network, 826, recently recognized three community members for their contributions to youth writing education.
Read more about 826DC Honors Three Standout Supporters of Youth Voice
Local Elementary Schoolers Celebrate a Poetry Collection
Washington, DC – May 22, 2023 – Third and fourth-grade students from Savoy Elementary School are releasing a stunning poetry collection called Looking Into the Sky, and would love to celebrate it with the community! There will be a public book launch on Saturday, June 3rd, 6 PM to 8 PM at the Politics and […]
Read more about Local Elementary Schoolers Celebrate a Poetry Collection
Introducing “Looking Into the Sky”
Third and fourth-graders from Savoy Elementary School wrote a new poetry collection, “Looking Into the Sky!” Cai Rodrigues-Sherley wrote the introduction, which you can read below:
Read more about Introducing “Looking Into the Sky”