826DC

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re uplifting the educators who show up every day with patience, creativity, and care. ✏️🍎

At 826DC, we are endlessly grateful for the teachers who partner with us to spark imagination and empower young writers across DC. Thank you for helping students find the confidence to use their voices and tell their stories. 💛📚✨

What a joy to bring a live writing workshop to the historic Howard Theatre for Spur Local’s Give Gala. ✨

Our students, Gustavo, Katie, Zoey, Loreal and Emma did an incredible job leading an interactive storytelling experience with guests in the audience. Together, they created two characters: Marvin, the fluffy one-eyed panda unicorn, and Chuck, the tiny telepathic super-speedy human. 🐼🦄⚡ We cannot wait to see where their story goes next.

Thank you to everyone at the gala who joined in on the fun and helped bring this story to life. Stay tuned for more writing adventures from 826DC. 💫

Huge shoutout to ED, Robyn for facilitating, our School Residency Manager, Sara for moderating, and Kendall for creating live illustrations during the workshop.

It’s time to celebrate the power of young voices ✨

Join us for our Big Book Bash on May 16 at Arena Stage as we unveil our newest student anthologies and hear directly from the incredible young authors behind them.

From bold poetry to powerful storytelling, this event is a celebration to creativity, confidence, and community. 📚💫

Come for the stories. Stay for the joy. Leave inspired.

RSVP at 826dc.org.

It feels like the perfect day to share this poem, “The Perfect Morning,” by 826DC student, Josiah.

Happy National Poetry Month. 💫

Img: Graphic of a sheet of paper coming out of a teal typewriter against a dark blue background. The paper reads:

“The Perfect Morning

Old to new, old to new
Gas in the air, beeping and honking
Birds chirping, sing song
In the morning

Feeling the sweet breeze through the windows
Sizzling and sizzling sounds of
Scrambled eggs in the making
Clickety clackety sounds of typing
In the air

Josiah, 826DC student”

Happy National Library Week! 📚

Did you know 19 of our student anthologies are officially part of the collection at the Library of Congress?!

Yes, you read that right. The words of 826DC students are archived alongside some of the most important works in history.

We’re honored to help these amplify young voices in DC. 💫

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 night, unlocking serious advantages like stealing a teammate, phoning a friend, and more. The more you give, the bigger your edge.

It’s all in good fun, but the impact is very real. Every dollar raised helps 826DC sustain our free writing programs, publishing opportunities, and homework help for D.C. students, giving young writers in our city the tools and space they need to find their voice.

Come for the trivia. Stay for the community. Leave knowing you made a difference.

Visit: https://give.826dc.org/Trivia-for-Cheaters-26 to RSVP

It’s been about two months since we launched our Substack, Whimsy & Wonder, featuring writing from 826DC students. This excerpt is just one of many powerful stories we’ve shared.

There aren’t many youth writers on the platform, and we’re excited to help create a space where young voices can truly be heard.

Subscribe to get a dose of Whimsy delivered to your inbox every Friday! Link is in our bio.✨

In celebration of Women’s History Month,
we asked 826DC students about women and girls that inspire them. Swipe to read what a few students had to share.

Paddle Palooza 2025 was everything — pickleball, ping pong, community, and a whole lot of fun for a great cause. 🏓

Thank you to everyone who came out, donated, and spread the word in support of 826DC’s youth writing programs. We even got a shoutout from WUSA9!

We’re so close to our $40,000 goal, just $5,584 away. Help us cross the finish line by donating with the link in our bio.

🏓 As if playing pickleball and ping pong in the name of a great cause isn’t enough. We’ve got a collection of prizes that we’re sure will wow you. Bring your competitive edge and energetic spirit and get ready to win.

🏆 Did we mention you can also pay to cheat, which increases your chances of becoming a Paddle Palooza champ. Join us on this Saturday, March 7th to get in on the fun!

🔗Link in bio to register.