Where Are We Now? 826 programs in the 2020-2021 school year

This unprecedented, historic, generation-defining year continues. As of this update, we’ve been essentially sheltering-in-place for 9 months—more than we ever could have anticipated when we first closed our spaces and moved our programs online in March. We’ve witnessed an historic election in which our students became passionately engaged. And through it all, at 826 Valencia we have continued to serve students online and provide needed services at a time when education is disrupted and our communities have been in an ongoing state of crisis. 

Wondering what this means for 826 students? Here’s an overview of our focus areas and what’s happening in our programs!

What’s new in 826 programs?

With those priorities guiding the way, here’s what’s been going on in each of our core programs: 

• After-school Tutoring: Nearly 200  students get help with homework online up to four times a week, and work on a range of writing projects, including letters to voters and elected officials. 
• In-School Programs:  We’re working with 10 schools and 60 teachers in the Tenderloin, Potrero Hill, Mission, and Bayview neighborhoods. Our in-school programs include in-class writing support and special writing projects, and a version of our podcasting field trip where students write and produce their podcasts at home. In January 2021 we’ll be launching a new version of our Young Authors’ Book Project— learn more here! 
• Workshops: This fall we’ve offered creative writing workshops for all ages, including our new Black Literary Achievement Club (learn more about BLAC and our Black Student Initiative)
• College & Career Readiness:  Trained tutors have supported nearly 200 high school seniors with their college application essays through one-on-one tutoring sessions over Zoom. We also celebrated six incredible scholarship winners, who are now tackling their first semester of college and doing an incredible job in this challenging time.
  

We couldn’t do this essential work without your support. If you haven’t yet, please consider volunteering, donating, and spreading the word. Even in dark times or when we’re separated by distance, our young authors are most definitely a loud light, and we’re so proud of how they’re shining!