826NYC INC
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Mission Statement
Our mission is to encourage the exploration of endless possibilities through the power of writing. Undefined by circumstance, our students build the skills to boldly write their own paths forward. We support new and exciting approaches to writing and inspire student engagement. And we foster generations of creative writers and thinkers, who together will define a better future.
About This Cause
826NYC is modeled after 826 Valencia, a nonprofit writing lab and tutoring center located in San Francisco's Mission District. Founded by writer Dave Eggers, educator Nínive Calegari, and a group of energetic and passionate volunteers, 826 Valencia was founded in April 2002. 826NYC opened its doors in September 2004. Since then, we have grown from operating a single writing center to working with more than 4,000 students each year across the city at our Park Slope center behind the secret door of the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. and ongoing in-school programs in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx. 826NYC's programs integrate top-notch curriculum with accessible resources and individual support, so that every student can thrive. While rooted in creativity, playfulness and joy, 826NYC works from a research-based, rigorous theory of change. All of our programs address a clear need: due to a lack of—and unequal access to—quality writing education, 75% of 12th graders and 90% of all Black and Latinx students are not writing at grade level proficiency. This lack of access to quality writing education factors into students’ futures, making them more likely to struggle academically, graduate into lower paying jobs, and be unemployed, as well as less likely to vote and be informed about civic affairs. We also know that creative writing clearly benefits students in the areas of creation, self-growth, thinking and learning, and empowerment. Despite these clear advantages, our education system rarely offers opportunities for students to explore their creative selves, instead prioritizing standardization—especially in underserved districts. Our principal activities fall into two core programs, both of which integrate top-notch curriculum with accessible resources and individual support so that every student can thrive. Through our robust suite of after-school programs, we offer literacy and writing support for K-8 students who demonstrate financial need (Write After School); tailored workshops with themes ranging from journalism to songwriting (Write Away Workshops); and our newest program, a platform for high school writers who are passionate about expanding their own writing skills amongst a community of creative peers (Teen Writers Collective). Our in-school programs include long-term, flexible in-class residencies led by specialized teaching artists (Young Writers Publish) and creative writing field trips for K-12 school groups (Write Together).