SAN FRANCISCO NEW YORK LOS ANGELES ANN ARBOR/DETROIT CHICAGO BOSTON WASHINGTON DC

826 National is an award-winning network of nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing under-resourced students, ages 6 to 18, with opportunities to explore their creativity and improve their writing skills. All of our programs are free of charge and serve students in and out of school. 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.

COMMITMENT TO LITERACY THE 826 National chapters provide students with high-quality, engaging, and hands-on literary arts programs that empower them to develop their creative and expository writing skills. 826 From personal narratives to poetry, our students engage in interdisciplinary learning, using MODEL writing and creativity to enrich and expand upon their studies in school. PROJECT-BASED LEARNING Students become published authors as they see their writing progress from a draft to a recorded song, performed screenplay, or professionally-bound book. 826 National’s chapters publish hundreds of pieces of student writing, celebrating their hard work and showcasing the result. In the process, students are placed in decision-making roles, developing critical thinking skills as they collaborate with instructors and peers. TEACHER & CLASSROOM SUPPORT Our goal is to be a resource to teachers through field trips to our writing centers, in-school programs, and specialized workshops. Bringing our programs to the classroom directly supports teachers as they inspire their students to write. VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Our chapters are vital and vibrant parts of their communities. The force behind 826 National is our vast, dedicated, and hard-working corps of volunteers and community members. Volunteers enable us to offer individualized attention to our students, broaden our reach, and help ensure the quality of our efforts and the students’ experience. IMAGINATIVE STOREFRONTS Each of our writing and tutoring centers welcomes students through a storefront with an imaginative theme, such as spies or pirates. These inviting spaces help create a “third place” (Oldenburg, 1989) an exciting, fun, and safe learning-environment, separate from home and school, that removes any perceived stigma associated with going to a tutoring center. The network 826 VALENCIA 826NYC 826LA 826CHI 826MICHIGAN 826 BOSTON 826DC The Pirate The Brooklyn The Echo Park & Mar The Wicker Park The Liberty Street The Greater Boston The Museum of Supply Store Superhero Supply Co. Vista Time Travel Marts Secret Agent Supply Co. Robot Supply & Repair Bigfoot Research Institute Unnatural History 4,873 2,518 8,614 3,381 3,065 3,018 3,381 Students served 2013 - 14 Students served 2013 - 14 Students served 2013 - 14 Students served 2013 - 14 Students served 2013 - 14 Students served 2013 - 14 Students served 2013 - 14 BY THE NUMBERS 826OUR NATIONWIDE IMPACT from 2013 - 2014 • 92% of students reported that after a year of 826’s after-school tutoring, they felt confident in their ability to complete their homework assignments. • 89% of parents of after-school tutoring students said their child’s writing skills improved with help from 826. • 99% of teachers who participated in 826 National’s field trips said the experience was a valuable and unique learning opportunity. • 86% of students participating in an 826 National in-school project reported that volunteers helped them increase their confidence about writing. • 97% of teachers we collaborated with said their students were engaged and challenged during in-school projects and that 826 is a good resource for teachers. 32,041 6,042 1,924 990 STUDENTS ACTIVE AFTER-SCHOOL STUDENT SERVED VOLUNTEERS TUTORING SESSIONS PUBLICATIONS 917 730 218 378 TEACHERS FIELD TRIPS IN-SCHOOL WRITING SERVED FOR 324 PROJECTS IN WORKSHOPS SCHOOLS 88 SCHOOLS EVALUATION OF THE 826 AFTER-SCHOOL TUTORING PROGRAM In October 2013, 826 National contracted Arbor Consulting Partners to conduct a national study on the impact of its After-School Tutoring program on participating students.Among the key findings: 85% 45% 29% of students who responded to the post- of volunteers observed that students of volunteers observed gains in program survey felt that participating in were more persistent in completing students’ ability to set and meet the 826 After-School Tutoring program their work. goals. helped them become better writers. KEY STRENGTHS OF THE 826 AFTER-SCHOOL TUTORING PROGRAM AS IDENTIFIED BY ARBOR CONSULTING PARTNERS • 826 After-School Tutoring is a model program in which a culture of creativity infuses both homework help and creative writing opportunities. • Students in the 826 After-School Tutoring program become part of a community of learners and writers, supported by committed volunteers and staff who are devoted to helping them succeed. • With the support of volunteers and staff—and within an environment permeated by a culture of creativity—students develop “habits of mind” that support the achievement of positive academic outcomes.

2013 - 2014 data includes information reported by 826 Seattle. As of November 2014, 826 Seattle is no longer a part of the 826 National network. EXCERPTS FROM

SOMETHING The Wallace Foundation on 826TO National SAY

The Wallace Foundation is dedicated to improving education and enrichment for children. In 2013, The Wallace Foundation released the report Something to Say: Success Principles for Afterschool Arts Programs from Urban Youth and Other Experts. 826 National was selected as one of eight case-study organizations that exemplify the ability to reach tweens and create successful after-school programming. ON OUR PROJECT-BASED LEARNING MODEL:

826 centers offer a variety of inventive programs that provide under-resourced students with opportunities to explore their creativity and improve their writing skills . . . In the [project-based] process, youth create a product they “often are very proud of—and they develop an expanded sense of self. In the case of 826, program directors work hard to enable participants to view themselves as published authors. Ryan Lewis, [former] director of research and evaluation, said, ‘In the beginning when you hand a student a book and you say, ‘We’re going to make something like this,’ there’s a lot of dismissal. Then 10 weeks down the line, when they’re actually holding the book, all the disbelief flips into excitement and pride over that work.’ The organization emphasizes the young people’s new role as writers by having them create author biographies and giving the now-published young scribes a table full of their books to sign for their fans.”

ON OUR THEMED CREATIVE WRITING CENTERS:

Imagine a store where an through this wonderland to the old-time pirate might shop and private, rear portion of the building “where pirate-themed products and devoted to 826 Valencia’s programs, humorous signs abound. Inspiration where the pirate theme continues in flourishes in 826 Valencia’s fanciful an intentionally warm ambience. The Pirate Supply Store in San Francisco’s space is inviting, whimsical, and full Mission District. The store is one of of student projects such as published [seven] sites in the 826 network of anthologies. It is a place where young creative writing and tutoring centers people like to spend time. throughout the United States. The Pirate Supply Store began as an With pro bono design support, a effort to comply with zoning regulations project budget, and a healthy dose requiring a retail storefront. However, of imagination, the front part of the 826 came to realize that quirky spaces facility has been transformed into an help attract youth and volunteers intriguing, wondrous environment. and set the stage for creativity, so its program sites . . . As a bonus, the Youth participating in writing the organization made imagination- stores generate profits that support workshops or drop-in tutoring move sparking storefronts a signature of programming.” STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

One of the most powerful elements of 826 programming is the publication of student writing produced each year by our chapters and the National office. In 2013-14, the chapters in the 826 National network produced 990 unique student publications, making our population of 32,041 students published authors. YOUNG AUTHORS’ BOOK PROJECT A signature publishing program from 826 National

Each year, 826 partners local classrooms with professional writers and editors through the Young Authors’ Book Project. Students spend three to four months crafting essays, short stories, or poems around a particular theme, and collaborate with volunteer tutors throughout the publishing process. Once the project is complete, students celebrate with a release party—reading their work in front of a rapt audience. The final book is a stunning reflection of months of hard work, engagement, and dedication on the part of students, teachers, and tutors. OUR LATEST YOUNG AUTHORS’ BOOK PROJECT PUBLICATIONS 826 Boston I’m a Flame You Can’t Put Out 826CHI Even a Lion Can Get Lost in the Jungle 826DC Everyone is Moving, No One in Place 826LA Beyond the Gates and Fences 826michigan Enjoy! Recipes for Building Community 826NYC Chicken Makes the Ice Cream Taste Better 826 Valencia Uncharted Places: An Atlas of Being Here 826 National RECENT PRESS

Review of 826michigan’s Where Is It Coming From? Maria Russo, New York Times, Dec. 17, 2014 Many of the stories display the wonderfully frank approach to physical life so often squashed by squeamish adult censorship. “Trip to Atlanta,” by Riley Jackson, tells about a long drive down South, culminating in the declaration, once she was there with her relatives, that the author “was feeling so proud that my dad drove all the way from Detroit to Atlanta without going to the bathroom.” 826CHI Students Capture Life in “Antonio became T.O., and Englewood then Bankroll. All of his Audrey Petty, Chicago Tribune, Aug. 15, 2014 names changed as he grew Even a Lion Can Get Lost in the Jungle, a vivid into the streets . . . Bankroll collection of short essays, is issued from the wide didn’t know where to turn. world of a Chicago neighborhood. The young writers Even a lion can get lost who participated in this 826CHI publication project in the jungle, and soon at Harvard Academy of Excellence document the Annesti W., student at Bankroll found himself community of Englewood as it once was, as it is 826CHI, grade 8 stuck in the madness.” becoming, as it might become. Writing Centers Seek to Unlock 826DC Teaches Young Readers and Youths’ Creativity Writers ‘The World Is as Amazing as Liana Heitin, Education Week, June 10, 2014 You Imagine It to Be’ Topher Kandik, who teaches the 9th and 10th grade Emma Brown, The Washington Post, Nov. 10, 2013 creative-writing class at the SEED School, said having “Every night at 9 p.m., there’s a caveman who comes the book published was a powerful part of the process. here,” whispers wide-eyed Wesley Nunez, who is “The goal is to make [students] feel like they belong— 9-years-old and an unabashed fan of this Columbia that it’s not outside the [realm of] possibility that they Heights nonprofit organization, dedicated to inspiring could be a writer.” kids to become better readers, writers and students. 11 Ways to Use Your Skills to Do Good Kate Rockwood, O Magazine, Dec. 2013 Help kids and teens get beyond the grammar grind of there, they’re, and their. Tutors with 826 National chapters assist students with their writing, giving them new ways to express themselves and succeed in school. 826 National PRESS HIGHLIGHTS

Dear Sir Obama: Presidential Advice Jory John, The New York Times, Jan. 16, 2009 Every day after school about 65 children come to our center to get help with their homework. The place is always vibrant, but on Nov. 5, 2008, the 20 tutors in the room essentially played zone defense to keep things in order. For the students, the election of Barack Obama had overturned their world. Dear President Obama, If I were president, I would tell people to not talk too much. It wastes time. I’d also say to war: no more, no more, no more! — Catherine G., student at 826CHI, grade 1

Youth Literacy Organizations Win Library of Congress Awards Amy Wickner, Education Week, Sept. 24, 2013 826 National . . . has won the American Literacy Prize, a $50,000 award. 826, with networks and physical offices in major cities like Boston, San Francisco, and New York, offers in- and after-school tutoring programs, field trips, one-time creative writing workshops, and publishing opportunities for young people in schools with high populations of at-risk students.​

How Dave Eggers Is Making Hidden Tutoring Centers Provide Learning Fun 'Unnatural' Education Kasey Wehrum, Inc. Magazine, May 2011 Sally Holland, CNN, Dec. 7, 2010 The idea, says [826 National Co-Founder Nínive At first glance, it’s a hoax: a storefront for a Museum Calegari], is to create an environment in which students of Unnatural History, complete with a bizarre animal can get the individual attention . . . while providing them skeleton visible through the front window and unicorn with fun projects that can spark an interest in creative tears for sale. It’s perfect for luring in curious children. writing. “We see 826 as an opportunity to support But when volunteers get kids past the upside-down teachers by bringing in the community to help them,” she coyote hanging from the ceiling and the owl with an says. “Even with the best teachers, there’s a huge gap elephant trunk, they shape young minds with after- between how much attention they would like to give school tutoring, writing workshops and books written their students and how much attention they are actually by kids. able to.” WHAT OTHERS SAY Testimonials

“If you want people to engage in activity, you find a way for them to have fun with it. 826 is a genius at that.” —Kathleen Yancy, English Professor at Florida State University

“Students’ writing improved in the area most challenging to cultivate—voice.” —Nora Tsoutsis, partner teacher at 826 Boston

“How does it feel to be a published author? “I love to see the confidence that my It honestly feels unreal. I feel as if now daughter has now about her homework, nothing can stop me from achieving my and how happy she is to have more goals.” time to spend with family.” —Michelle D., student at 826LA, grade 10 —Luís Gironza, parent at 826NYC

“826 has proved, over and over, that a sense of humor and the ability to laugh while writing will produce astonishing results.” —Judd Apatow, film producer, screenwriter, and director

“It’s hard to pick one [favorite moment] because most are just ordinary moments where the kids are being awesome and creative. So, maybe the afternoon I taught Jamel how to divide fractions, which he was convinced he could not possibly do. Or that time that Bianca and Ehmily didn’t have homework so they spent two hours making me awesome hats out of colored paper.” —Naomi Taub, volunteer at 826CHI to 826STEM National’s Latest STORY Educational Resource

“A fabulous resource for teaching students one of the most important lessons: that science is fun, creative, and tremendously important for everyone.” — Rebecca Skloot, science writer and author of The New York Times Best seller, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

In February 2015, Jossey-Bass published STEM to Story: Enthralling and Effective Lesson Plans for Grades 5-8. The book is a result of a partnership between 826 National and Time Warner Cable’s Connect a Million Minds—an initiative dedicated to connecting young people to the wonders of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). STEM to Story aligns with both Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. Designed in conjunction with 826 National staff, volunteers, and professionals in each field, the book provides teachers, out-of-school providers, and parents with lesson plans, workshops, and hands-on projects. STEM to Story inspires learning through fun, engaging, and meaningful lessons that fuse hands-on discovery in STEM with creative writing. The book​ is​ for sale on Amazon and in bookstores nationwide.

“One of the great tragedies of traditional science education is that students often fail to realize that science is a deeply creative process. How wonderful to see in STEM to Story the science curriculum organically entwined with creative writing, bringing both imagination and the art of expression directly into the science classroom.” — Brian Greene, Professor of Physics and Mathematics, Columbia University; World Science Festival Co-Founder