About the Nonprofit
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826NYC’s 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.
The 826 Network was founded at 826 Valencia Street in San Francisco in 2002 by award-winning author Dave Eggers and educator Nínive Calegari. 826 now has eight chapters around the country and a digital platform, serving more than 78,000 students each year. 826NYC opened its doors in 2004 and has sparked the imaginations of nearly 35,000 New York City students with inventive writing and publishing projects rooted in the idea that celebrating creativity is key to engaging youth.
Working in the nation’s largest school district, 826NYC has grown from operating a single writing center in Brooklyn to working with more than 4,000 students each year across New York City -- at our Park Slope center behind the secret door of the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. and through ongoing programs in schools across New York City.
While rooted in creativity, playfulness, and joy, 826NYC works from a research-based, rigorous theory of change. All of our after-school and in-school writing programs integrate top-notch curriculum with accessible resources and individual support so that every student can thrive.