826DC’s bracket-style ping-pong tournament fundraiser, Paddlestar Galactica, is BACK on Saturday, March 25th, 12:30 PM to 4 PM at SPIN DC! Learn more, donate, and sign up to participate here.
About 826DC

We’re using writing to build a better world

826DC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting DC students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write.

We’re on a mission to help students develop a lasting, positive relationship with writing that catalyzes their ability to live into their fullest possibility.

We envision a future in which every young person in DC is able to confidently use writing to communicate their experiences, explore new ideas, and enjoy the creative process.

How we teach

We take fun seriously

The atmosphere in 826DC’s workshops and writing labs is electric. Some students are crafting platforms to run for Kid President. Others are making plans for a zombie apocalypse…and everyone is having the time of their life.

826 National

A country-wide movement for creative writing

826DC is one of nine chapters in the 826 National network, which includes youth writing and publishing centers from coast to coast. Through digital resources and in-person programs, our network serves close to 350,000 students ages 6-18 each year.

Tivoli’s Astounding Magic Supply Co.

Every purchase makes real magic happen

Our Tivoli’s storefront isn’t just DC’s only magic shop; it also funds 826DC’s writing programs! Pick up a new party trick, grab a unique gift or illusion, and browse books published by our students. 100% of the proceeds support our work.

Don’t need a magic wand, but still want to support 826DC? Just click here to donate.

The 826DC Team

Meet our team of magic-makers

The Executive Director of 826DC, Zachary Clark, stands in front of an art gallery in a sports jacket and gray tie.

Zachary Clark

Executive Director
More Read more about Zachary Clark
Andrea Nelson, the Director of Education at 826DC, is laughing and wearing a black shirt in front of a yellow background.

Andrea Nelson

Director of Education
More Read more about Andrea Nelson
Emma Pred-Sosa smiles in front of a city.

Emma Pred-Sosa

Director of Development
More Read more about Emma Pred-Sosa

Cristopher Lee

Associate Director of School Programs
More Read more about Cristopher Lee
Abby Araujo smiles in a pair of black glasses

Abby Araujo

Program Operations Manager
More Read more about Abby Araujo

Cai Rodrigues-Sherley

School Residency Coordinator
More Read more about Cai Rodrigues-Sherley
Sarah Richman, 826DC Senior Manager of Communications and Development

Sarah Richman

Senior Manager of Communications and Development
More Read more about Sarah Richman
Tyler Grigsby

Tyler Grigsby

Community Programs Manager
More Read more about Tyler Grigsby

Thomas Ohno-Machado

Intern
More Read more about Thomas Ohno-Machado

Tom Viehe

Chair
More Meet Tom Viehe

Miah Daughtery, Ed.D.

Vice Chair
More Meet Miah Daughtery, Ed.D.

Matthew Bressler

Treasurer
More Meet Matthew Bressler

Susan Gerock

Secretary
More Meet Susan Gerock

Amy Pastan

Programs Committee Chair
More Meet Amy Pastan

Richard Nash

Development Committee Chair
More Meet Richard Nash

W. Ralph Eubanks

Literary Liaison Chair
More Meet W. Ralph Eubanks

Jill Dowell

More Meet Jill Dowell

Taryn Fielder

More Meet Taryn Fielder

J.C. Fulse

More Meet J.C. Fulse

Abigail Smith

More Meet Abigail Smith

Tait Sye

More Meet Tait Sye

Jennifer Thorpe-Lewis

More Meet Jennifer Thorpe-Lewis

Joe Callahan

Executive Director Emeritus, Co-Chair

David Wakelyn

Co-Chair

Holly Jones

Co-Founder

Julia Smith

Co-Founder

Kira Wisniewski

Co-Founder

Joe Peters

Founding Board Member

Mike Scalise

Founding Staff Member

Jessica Anya Blau

Marie Arana

Sally Bedell Smith

Carol Blue

Katie Hinman

Matt Klam

E. Ethelbert Miller

George Pelecanos

Marcela Sanchez-Bender

Susan Shreve

Rebecca Sinderbrand

Learn24 DC

National Endowment for the Arts

Clark Construction

International Paper

PayPal

The Share Fund

Harman Family Foundation

Judy Family Foundation

DC Commission of the Arts and Humanities

TDF Ventures

Kimsey Foundation