Paddlestar Galactica, the ping-pong tournament event supporting 826DC’s programs, returns on Saturday, April 27th, 1 PM to 4 PM at SPIN DC! Learn more and sign up 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

Andrea Nelson, the Director of Education at 826DC, is laughing and wearing a black shirt in front of a yellow background.

Andrea Nelson

Interim Executive Director
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

Interim Director of Education
More Read more about Cristopher Lee
Sarah Richman, 826DC Senior Manager of Communications and Development

Sarah Richman

Associate Director of Communications and Development
More Read more about Sarah Richman
Abby Araujo smiles in a pair of black glasses

Abby Araujo

Program Operations Manager
More Read more about Abby Araujo
Tyler Grigsby

Tyler Grigsby

Community Programs Manager
More Read more about Tyler Grigsby
Margaret Kelley headshot

Margaret Kelley

Store Coordinator
More Read more about Margaret Kelley
Sara Jackson smiles on the street outside 826DC. She is wearing a black blazer.

Sara Jackson

School Residency Coordinator
More Read more about Sara Jackson
Conor Murphy has a long beard, glasses, and a purple flowered shirt.

Conor Murphy

After-School Writing Lab Assistant
More Read more about Conor Murphy

Miah Daughtery, Ed.D.

Chair
More Meet Miah Daughtery, Ed.D.

Richard Nash

Vice Chair
More Meet Richard Nash

Susan Gerock

Treasurer
More Meet Susan Gerock

Jennifer Thorpe-Lewis

Parent Liaison Chair
More Meet Jennifer Thorpe-Lewis

W. Ralph Eubanks

Literary Liaison and Programs Committee Chair
More Meet W. Ralph Eubanks

Abigail Smith

Secretary
More Meet Abigail Smith

Mary Kate Mullaney

Development Director
More Meet Mary Kate Mullaney

Aneesha Badrinarayan

More Meet Aneesha Badrinarayan

Jill Dowell

More Meet Jill Dowell

Kelly O’Sheilds

More Meet Kelly O’Sheilds

Matthew Bressler

More Meet Matthew Bressler

Tait Sye

More Meet Tait Sye

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

International Monetary Fund

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