826 National is a nonprofit organization that provides strategic leadership, administration, and other resources to ensure the success of its network of eight writing and tutoring centers.
826 centers offer a variety of inventive programs that provide under-resourced students, ages 6-18, with opportunities to explore their creativity and improve their writing skills. We also aim to help teachers get their classes excited about writing.
Our mission is based on the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. Last year our centers—which are located in Ann Arbor, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, DC— served over 29,000 students.
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Friday, May 3, 2013
 U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan with 826 students, parents, and staff. Photo credit: May-Li Khoe
On May 1, 826 National and 826 Valencia welcomed U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to 826 Valencia for after-school tutoring. This was the Secretary’s first visit to any of 826 National’s writing centers. 826 National CEO Gerald Richards provided a tour of the Pirate Supply Store and Emilie Coulson, Director of Education at 826 Valencia, presented an overview of 826 educational programming that takes place in San Francisco schools and at the writing center. Afterward, the Secretary joined students at their study tables. “Students, tutors, and families had the chance to talk with Secretary Duncan about what is going on in their schools and in their lives. To have that direct access to the national conversation about education is so rare, and it really resonated with the students and all of us here,” Emilie said of the visit. Read more about the Secretary's visit...
Friday, April 26, 2013
 National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 to celebrate all the people doing extraordinary things through service. This National Volunteer Week, 826 National would like to celebrate all of the nearly 5,000 volunteers (!) that make our chapters across the country function. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to provide the free tutoring and programs to students that need it most.
For profiles of six wonderful individuals volunteering at 826 chapters (such as Lee from 826LA, pictured to the right), take a peek at our latest newsletter. Or even better yet, come join them by signing up to lend a hand at an 826 chapter near you. THANK YOU, 826 volunteers! You make everything we do possible.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
 On April 27th, GOOD, an online community of idealists working to advance the modern grassroots movement, is facilitating Neighborday to inspire community spirit all over the world. Neighborday celebrates face-to-face interactions and asks us to foster community by hosting and attending neighborhood get-togethers. In partnership with GOOD, 826 chapters in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Ann Arbor are hosting their own Neighborday storefront events to strengthen connections within their communities. Gerald Richards, our CEO, expresses his enthusiasm for joining GOOD and other organizations that are working to build community and advance common goals in his article, “Meet the 21st Century Neighborhood Stoop: Your 826 Writing Center”.
Friday, April 5, 2013
"Poetry is the opening and closing of a door, leaving those who look through to guess about what is seen during the moment” - Carl Sandburg
Writing poetry is a wonderfully creative and beautiful outlet for 826 students as they navigate the complexities of life. In celebration of National Poetry Month, 826 National is proud to share some inspiring poems from our student writers across the country. You can explore the honest and engaging words of these talented young authors in this collection featured in our Student Writing Gallery!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
 Come one, come all and join us for our 101 Seminar on April 19 and 20! If you’re interested in starting a creative arts nonprofit in your community then this is the seminar for you. There will be panels and discussions held by the 826 National staff, and you will be able to meet other conference attendees who are also interested in starting their own non profit in their communities. Register before March 31st for a discounted rate!
Friday, March 22, 2013
 Celebrate the arrival of spring with Night On The Town brought to you by 826 National! Come join our staff, board, donors, and friends in making merry and supporting 826 National from 9pm to close on Wednesday, March 27 at Elixir in San Francisco's Mission District (on the corner of 16th and Guerrero).
Be prepared for cocktail poetry, author-inspired drinks, and the joy that comes from contributing towards our education programs. All tips will support our programming for over 31,000 K-12 students across the country. Bring lots of friends, come thirsty, and see you soon for this one-of-a-kind literary event!
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“826 helps young people learn that language can be play, that work can be joyful, and that they themselves can be the inventors and caretakers of their world. I have seen it with my own eyes. 826 is a good thing in a world of bad things, and a good place in a world of hard ones.”»Michael Chabon, Pulitzer Prize-winning author
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“Thank you for teaching me how to be a REAL AUTHOR!”»Gabby Martin, student, PS 230, Brooklyn
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“Having my story in a book means a lot to me.”
»Unique Smith, student, 826 Seattle
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“Every person from 826—from tutors who volunteered a few times in my classroom to staff with whom I've worked daily—shares a delight in young people and a rare respect for teachers' real work.”»Lisa Morehouse, teacher, Balboa High School, San Francisco
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