826 New Orleans

Since our founding in a 1st grade class of 43 students in 2010, 826 New Orleans (formerly Big Class) has celebrated transformative impact on thousands of students’ lives. Students, parents, and teachers overwhelmingly report improved writing skills and academic performance as a result of our programs. And we’ve seen countless students shift their attitudes about writing from reluctance and intimidation to affinity, confidence, and pride. Whether students are enrolled in a two-hour workshop or a semester-long in-school project, all of our programs end in publication. A rigorous writing process leads to a wide range of high-quality work, from short stories about aliens in outer space celebrating Mardi Gras to personal narratives about overcoming struggle. When a student sees their ideas manifested in a physical publication, they learn that through hard work, determination, and opportunity they are able to turn their ideas into a reality. This not only improves literacy outcomes; it also builds the confidence necessary for empowerment and mobility. And all of this happens at no cost to participants. Ultimately, our work is structured with the understanding that great leaps in learning happen with individualized attention, that writing is fundamental to future success, and that youth voice is crucial to the future of New Orleans. We are a proud chapter of the 826 National Network.