826 MSP

"I reflect the greatness of my grandma / Now I can change the world” - Salma, grade 3

826 MSP is a non-profit youth writing center serving the next generation of Twin Cities authors. Our mission is to amplify the voices, stories, and power of K-12 BIPOC students through writing, publishing, and leadership programs.

We facilitate free youth writing, tutoring, publishing and leadership programs in schools, out of schools, and through distance learning. Students need literacy and communication skills to be successful, and our world needs the ideas and words of the diverse youth leaders we are helping to create. We were established in 2009 in response to the educational opportunity gaps which persist in Minnesota due to systemic racism. To date, we’ve served more than 10,000 Twin Cities youth. We've published thousands of pieces both professionally—Indigenous Originated: Walking in Two Worlds by South High’s All Nations students was named a 2019 must read by MPR—and more creatively—such as a partnership with Metro Transit to display student writing on twenty metro bus shelters. 

Creating readership for these voices empowers young writers and transmits perspectives which the world needs to hear! We connect a racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse array of young writers with 75 trained volunteers and professional artists each year, creating opportunities for positive relationships which span generations and cultures. As one of nine chapters in the largest network of youth writing centers in the country, 826 National, we reach readers and collaborate with communities nation-wide. 

Contribute to 826 MSP today to help the young authors of the Minneapolis and St. Paul write the next chapter for our cities!