MISSION STATEMENT
826NYC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Our services are structured around our belief that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. With this in mind we provide drop-in tutoring, field trips, after-school workshops, in-schools tutoring, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications. All of our free programs are challenging and enjoyable, and ultimately strengthen each student's power to express ideas effectively, creatively, confidently, and in his or her individual voice.
Watch our video for more information:
HISTORY
826NYC is modeled after 826 Valencia, a nonprofit writing lab and tutoring center located in San Francisco's Mission District. Founded by writer Dave Eggers and a group of energetic and passionate volunteers, 826 Valencia opened its doors in April 2002.
826NYC's writing center opened its doors in September 2004. Since then our programs have offered over one thousand students opportunities to improve their writing at our center. Our staff has grown to include 4 employees and over 250 volunteers.
826 NATIONAL
826 NATIONAL is essentially an umbrella organization that works toward duplicating the successful 826 Valencia program in youth writing centers across the country. In fact, we are already hard at work. 826NYC (in Park Slope, Brooklyn) opened in September 2004. 826LA (in Los Angeles) opened in March 2005. Currently, centers are in the process of opening in Seattle, Ann Arbor and Chicago. Each 826-style center will provide the same amount and caliber of volunteer-based, free services for students that 826 Valencia in San Francisco has successfully developed. We couldn’t be more excited.
For more information about 826 NATIONAL's progress please visit the following website: 826national.org.
STAFF
Scott Seeley (Executive Director) has worked in various capacities in arts and education for over a decade. Formerly the manager of McSweeney's East Coast office, Scott holds a degree in fine arts and received his masters degree in arts education. [email: scott at 826nyc dot org]
Joan Kim (Director of Education) has taught high school English and English as a second language in the US and abroad. Formerly a senior editor with Lightbulb Press, Joan holds a degree in English literature with certification in secondary school education from Princeton University. [email: joan at 826nyc dot org]
Ted Thompson (Director of Publications and Events) coordinated events for McSweeney's in New York from 2000 to 2004. Formerly an editor with TCG Books, Ted has a BFA in Playwriting and English Literature from New York University. [email: ted at 826nyc dot org]
Anthony Mascorro (Education Associate) has worked as an adjunct professor of English at Hunter College and as a test prep tutor for high school students. He has also worked in the arts in New York City for five years, as a musician, theater technician, and videographer. [email: anthony at 826nyc dot org]
Kate Ackerman (Education Associate) has worked in the arts and education fields for the past 10 years. Most recently, she has taught in schools in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx. She holds a BA in English literature from Carleton College and an MA in art education from New York University. [kate at 826nyc dot org]
Jennifer Snow (Director of Development) has worked as a photographer and writer for media outlets in New York and nationally. Prior to joining 826 to work on the Revenge Of The Book Eaters tour, Jennifer also worked in arts administration and publicity. [jennifer at 826nyc dot org]
