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
National Book Festival Community Stories
The Dragonfly and the Magical Flower Once upon a time, there was a dragonfly who could not fly. One evening, they were buzzing around the Anacostia River when he saw a frog who was sleeping. The friendly, fabulous frog wanted to go frolicking with other friendly frogs. The dragonfly wanted the frog to help him […]
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Our 2026-27 Youth Writers in Residence Program
We’re excited to welcome a new cohort of young writers to 826DC’s Youth Writers in Residence (YWR) program! Youth Writers in Residence is an opportunity for high school students to take their writing to the next level while becoming leaders in the 826DC community. Throughout the school year, Youth Writers work alongside 826DC staff to […]
Read more about Our 2026-27 Youth Writers in Residence Program
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 […]
Read more about Introducing 826DC’s New Writing Services