826 Valencia

826 Valencia is a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting under-resourced students ages six to eighteen with their writing skills, and to helping teachers get their students excited about writing. Our work is based on the understanding that great leaps in learning can be made when trained and caring volunteers work one-on-one with students and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.

826 Valencia comprises two writing centers—our flagship location in the Mission District and a new center in the Tenderloin neighborhood—and three satellite classrooms at nearby schools. All of our programs are offered free of charge to students, schools, and families.

We also have a Pirate Supply Store at our location on Valencia St., offering wares for the working buccaneer. Right. Like peg legs. And at our Tenderloin Center you can visit King Carl's Emporium, with its selection of supplies curated by explorers of worlds both real and imaginary. Right. Like dental floss for ogres. Both stores also sell our publications of our students' writing, and the proceeds from the store go straight to our free programs.

Check out 826valencia.org if you're interested in volunteering, donating, or participating in our programs!