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
The Big Book Bash
THE BIG BOOK BASH — MAY 16, 2026 This spring, we will be releasing our 20th and 21st professionally published youth anthologies and we think that deserves a BIG celebration. Please save the date for 826DC’s Big Book Bash at Arena Stage on Saturday, May 16th at 5:00pm. We will be releasing our newest Young Authors Book Project, a […]
Read more about The Big Book Bash
Trivia for Cheaters 2026
Trivia Night for a Good Cause — April 30, 2026 Get ready for an evening where cheating is not only allowed — it’s encouraged. Test your knowledge in literature, history, science, and pop culture at our Trivia for Cheaters fundraiser. Perfect for trivia pros and beginners alike! The twist? Teams “cheat” by donating throughout the […]
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Paddle Palooza
826DC’s famed ping-pong and pickleball tournament fundraiser is back and this year we’ve renamed Paddlestar Galactica to Paddle Palooza! Read on for everything you need to know about this year’s games and how to get involved.
Read more about Paddle Palooza