Writing Workshop

In our Thursday writing workshops, we explore five genres in 5-6 week units over the course of the year. In each unit, students dive into mentor texts and media to expand their understanding of the genre, learn new storytelling techniques, and write original stories, poems, and scripts. This year, workshop topics will include ghost stories, science fiction, songwriting, dramatic playwriting, and reimagined fairy tales and fantasy. Twice a year, student authors publish their work in a bilingual chapbook they can share with friends and family.

About Write After School for grades 6-8

Underneath the surface, we’re all full of stories just waiting to be told. Whether your story is a sci-fi epic set in a never-before-imagined world, a detective tale full of twists and turns, or the true adventures of your real life, Write After School will help you figure out how to tell it. Over the course of the year, students deepen and strengthen their writing toolkits to explore imaginary realms and unpack the stories of our daily lives.

Students who sign up for the Thursday Writing Workshop can also sign up for Write After School: Creative Studio on Tuesdays. Creative Studio is a semester-long project-based writing program where students explore a different storytelling style or medium each semester, from playwriting to podcasting, and work collaboratively on a long-form final project that they will share in a showcase or performance at the end of the semester. Students will work on skills including research, project planning, collaboration, writing, and revision to produce both individual and collaborative products. Whether you’re new to writing or have a notebook full of ideas, come explore new genres and new ways to bring your stories off the page! This Fall, join us for Hold for Applause, a semester of playwriting and theater production where students will write, produce, direct, and perform their own original plays. Choose between Writing Workshops, Creative Studio, or both!

Class Schedule

This program meets throughout the school year, and is cancelled on all days when New York City public schools are cancelled. Extended day is available! Students may arrive as early as 3:30 PM to read, work on homework, or finish 826NYC writing projects.

New students are admitted on a rolling basis as space allows.

Registration

Registration for Write After School is now open. Register here. Not sure if you’re ready to sign up yet? Join a Parent & Guardian Orientation to learn more about 826NYC’s after-school, evening, and weekend programs.

Write After School is a free program for students in grades 2–8 whose families meet our income qualifications, in keeping with 826NYC’s commitment to make programs available for young writers who might not otherwise have access. The majority of spots in Write After School are reserved for current NYC public school students. Students who do not meet our eligibility criteria may apply separately for our weekend classes, Write Away Workshops or Dungeons & Dragons & Writers, which have free, half-price, and full-price options.

Our current income cap for enrollment is 80% of area median income, or about $135,700/year for a family of four.

Questions? Email programs@826nyc.org or call 718-499-9884.