826 Digital brings the 826 approach to teaching writing to educators, students, and communities that need it most. When students write with 826, they tap into the power, brilliance, and joy within themselves. With each new word, their voices emerge on the page, whether writing about pizza, aliens, climate change, or social justice. Our writing lessons are designed to reach and engage every student, from aspiring authors to reluctant writers.
Writing education prepares students not only for academic and professional achievement but also for the lifelong need to articulate their thoughts and communicate with others. While students are learning to write, they also learn how to process complex ideas from different sources, reflect on their emotions and thought processes, advocate for themselves and their communities, become more compassionate to others, and much more. Writing prepares students to become the next generation of leaders, dreamers, and changemakers.
Our free resources are designed to adapt to your needs and reach all learners. You can bookmark, share, and download any resource.
826 Digital was launched by 826 National in 2017 with the goal to make the 826 approach to teaching writing accessible to every student, everywhere. Our team is made up of educators who are passionate about expanding student access to quality writing instruction. Our lessons are often designed and field-tested by staff and educators across the 826 Network, ensuring that lessons are engaging and effective. They are then adapted for 826 Digital so that educators beyond our chapters can use them too.
Today, 826 Digital is accessed by tens of thousands of educators across every grade level, hailing from all fifty states across the U.S. and sixty countries around the world, reaching hundreds of thousands of students worldwide. We remain committed to our mission to make quality writing resources accessible to all. In 2021, 826 National worked with the American Foundation for the Blind to improve the accessibility of 826 Digital, implementing recommendations to the best of our ability. We continue to seek new ways to reach educators and students everywhere.
826 is the largest youth writing network in the country. 826 National serves as the hub of the movement to amplify student voices and champions the belief that strong writing skills are essential for academic and lifelong success. The 826 Network serves K–12th grade students in under-resourced communities each year through chapters in nine cities as well as via 826 Digital. 826 National was established in 2008 to support a growing network of writing centers founded by author Dave Eggers and educator Nínive Calegari in San Francisco in 2002. We work toward a country in which the power, brilliance, and joy of writing is accessible to every student in every classroom. Together, we believe writing is the key to cultivating a new generation of creative and diverse thinkers who will define a better, brighter, and more compassionate future.
Publishing student work is an essential part of the 826 Network’s approach to writing education. It provides an opportunity for students to see their ideas reflected in something tangible, amplifies their voices to new and diverse audiences, and increases their confidence as they begin to see themselves as authors with words worth reading. Visit our Bookstore to see books featuring student writing from across our network. Our students’ words will make you smile, think, sigh, cry so hard you laugh, and laugh so much you cry. Get ready to be inspired.
We believe in sparking the power and joy of writing—for every student. Here are a few ways you can join us in our mission!
The 826 Digital Educator Leader group is designed for educators looking to break the mold in writing instruction and contribute to the field of writing education. Just as we believe every student is a writer, we believe that every teacher is a writing teacher too. Apply today!
Each year, approximately 5,000 active volunteers make our work possible and keep our programs free of charge. These passionate individuals are found at our centers and neighboring schools each day—supporting morning field trips, sitting side by side with our students after school, and helping entire classrooms learn the art of writing.
From the Pirate Supply Store in San Francisco to the Mid-Continent Oceanographic Institute in Minneapolis, each 826 chapter has an imaginative storefront that redefines educational space; provides a gateway for meeting families, teachers, and volunteers; and connects students with community members.
If you’re looking to get involved internationally, there are over fifty organizations around the world inspired by the 826 model.
826 National is working toward a country in which every student has access to quality writing instruction. Your tax deductible donation to 826 Digital directly fuels our efforts to bring the power and joy of writing to every classroom. Please help us to keep our resources free and accessible to all.
It takes a village. We send our sincere gratitude to the generous sponsors who help make 826 Digital a reality:
826 Digital is honored to collaborate with passionate partners who share our commitment to advancing writing education for all:
