826michigan

826michigan offers a variety of creative writing and tutoring programs in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Detroit. Ranging from in-school classroom support to public school teachers, to our three after-school tutoring programs, to creative writing workshops and field trips, all of our programs are completely free of charge and absolutely volunteer-driven. This is were you come in:

From inspiring students to get excited about writing right in their classroom, to having a light-bulb moment where you help astudent get fractions at tutoring, to copyediting one ofourstudent publications, everything you do as an 826michiganvolunteerfeedsinto the creation of a vibrant and wildly inspired safe place for young people.

We are endlessly proud ofourvolunteers, who serve as ambassadors to the community,mentors toourstudents, and technicians toourrobots.We hope thatourorganization benefits everyone involved. Not just students and teachers,but alsoourindispensable andheroicvolunteerforce. Join us, won't you, in supporting the academic success and inspiring the imaginations of the young people inyourcommunity.

Visitourwebsite at826michigan.orgfor more information and to apply online. Email Caitlin at caitlin@826michiganwith any questions.

Our Mission:

826michigan inspires school-aged students to write confidently and skillfully with the help of adult volunteers in their communities.

Our writing and tutoring programs uphold a culture of creativity and imagination and support students in establishing strong habits of mind. Through publication and community engagement, we provide students with an authentic and enthusiastic audience for their writing. Due to Covid-19, our programs for the 2020-2021 school year are entirely virtual.

Our programs provide an energizing creative outlet for students and meaningful volunteer opportunities for community members. We believe that with one-on-one attention from caring adults, students improve their academic performance, develop a sense of belonging, and discover the unique value of their voices.

With this understanding 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.

Our History:

The 826 story began in San Francisco in 2002. Educator Nnive Calegariand author Dave Eggers (A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius,McSweeneys) were looking for a way to provide assistance to overburdened teachers and to utilize the skills of the citys creative and talented adults to improve education for the students who could use their help the most. The success of the organization they founded at 826 Valencia Street gave way to 826 National and to chapters in seven other cities, including 826michigan in 2005.