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.

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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 7 employees and over 1,000 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 (Education Director) 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. [email: joan at 826nyc dot org]

Kate Ackerman (Education) 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. [email: kate at 826nyc dot org]

Joshua Martin (Store and Web) began working as a volunteer at 826NYC in 2004. Prior to joining the staff full time, he worked in various editing and technology positions and holds a BA in English Literature from the University of Wyoming. [email: joshua at 826nyc dot org]

Anthony Mascorro (Publishing) 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]

Sarah Pollock (Development), a former volunteer, has worked as a fundraiser for various arts and education institutions, including Brooklyn Children's Museum and the Philadelphia Film Festival. [email: spollock at 826nyc dot org]

Chris Roberti (Education) teaches poetry, theater and carpentry to students around the city. He writes and performs sketch comedy and clown. He has also worked at several art museums. Chris has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Muhlenberg College and a Ed.M. in Arts and Education from Harvard. [email: chris at 826nyc dot org]

Ted Thompson (Events) has coordinated fundraising events for 826NYC since 2004. He currently lives in Iowa City and also attends the Iowa Writers' Workshop. [email: ted at 826nyc dot org]