Programs and Impact

1. Programs and Impact

2. We believe Writing skills are essential for every child Great success in learning comes from one-on-one attention All of our programs must be free of charge and accessible to students in need

3. Some facts All of our programs are completely free. We serve more than 2000 students annually. More than 400 volunteers contribute over 20,000 hours every year.

4. Drop-in Tutoring In our writing lab and off-site at Ypsilanti Middle School

5. 826 has inspired my child. He has struggled with writing in school for many years. The positive, accepting attitude of 826 volunteers has been so beneficial for a child who is not social or successful in school. The walk-in tutoring has been so important to our family. Julia Colvin, Parent

6. In-school Partnerships We partner with teachers and schools every year to assist with special projects and day-to-day work. In 2009-2010 we led residencies in five public schools, serving approximately 20 teachers.

7. Student Publications • Some are formal, professionally bound books. • Even more are informal.

8. The books are awesome and the kids love them.  The chair of our English Department was blown away.  He taught Short Readings for 20+ years and is intimately aware of the challenges the class presents.  He asked me if I held a gun to their heads to get them to write as much as they did.  I said, "no, but I did bring in an army." Quinn Strassel, Public High School Teacher

9. The power of publishing student writing • This is what happens when students see their work in print.

10. Community outreach • Only a quarter of programs are held in our writing lab. • To reach students most in need of our programming, volunteers work with students at community centers, low-income housing sites, afterschool programs and other locations.

11. 826michigan brings such an amazing energy, a freshness and enthusiasm with them. Imagine being an 8-year-old, knowing that your creative writing work is driving around town in a bus. This project makes students feel like they truly matter in our community, and it encourages them to continue to practice their writing.” Joan Doughty Executive Director, Community Action Network

12. Workshops and Field Trips • Every year we organize almost 100 writing workshops tailored to a variety of ages and interests. • We are the field trip for second and third grade classes who attend our famous Storytelling and Bookmaking workshop in our writing lab.

13. “Not only did both of my kids rediscover a sense of fun in their work, they also seemed take more pride in it and take it more seriously.” Andrea Sims, Parent

14. English as a Second Language • This weekly English language enrichment program for non-native speakers helps students succeed in public school classrooms and beyond.