826michigan!

826michigan knows the power of story! Writing helps students envision the world they want to see. For nearly two decades, 826michigan has stoked the limitless dreams of students ages 6-18 in their free writing programs. Their writing labs, workshops, field trips, and in-school programs inspire students to tell their stories with skill and confidence in collaboration with caring adult volunteers. As such, 826michigan provides an energizing creative outlet for young people and meaningful volunteer opportunities for the community. 

826michigan students imagine what’s possible and boldly write it into existence. With individualized attention, and as part of a community of supportive peers, 826michigan writers improve their academic performance, develop a sense of belonging, and discover the unique value of their voices. Each year, more than four thousand students in Detroit, Ypsilanti, and Ann Arbor access 826michigan’s high-quality programs, absolutely free-of-charge. 

It’s no secret that the global pandemic profoundly impacted K-12 students. Studies show that students lost up to two full years of academics, and unsurprisingly, those who were struggling before the pandemic have only fallen further behind since. 826michigan focuses its important work on students from historically marginalized and historically resilient communities. 

While test scores do not tell the full picture, in many partner schools, fewer than 10 percent of students are working at grade level in reading and writing—with learning gaps widening as students enter middle and high school. Luckily, 826michigan's programs—which operate during the school day in partnership with classroom teachers and during after-school hours to provide families free literacy and writing support—are uniquely positioned to help. 

826michigan utilizes community volunteers to provide students with one-on-one attention and small group work in every program offered. With the help of caring adults, students not only gain experience and confidence in writing, which contributes to academic success, but also find a community of like-minded peers and experience mentorship and social and emotional support that will feed them for a lifetime.