826 Boston Inc.

826 Boston is changing the way that writing is approached in the city of Boston. Over the course of the current strategic plan, 826 Boston will double the number of students served (to 7,000) by expanding the successful Writers' Room model, an innovative in-school model based on the university writing center.

Our services are structured around the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. With this understanding in mind, we provide after-school tutoring, field trips, creative writing workshops, in-school tutoring, help for English Language Learners, and in-depth publishing projects. Each of our free programs seeks to empower students to express their ideas effectively, creatively, confidently, and in their individual voices.

826 Boston is well positioned to accomplish its goals, with the following assets in place:
1) A supportive board with a strong vision. 826 Boston has steadily built its board of directors from 9 to 15 members.
2) A capable and talented staff with low turnover. 826 Boston's founding executive director handed over the reins to Jessica Drench, a five-year veteran of the organization and its former associate director.
3) A strong financial track record. 826 Boston has proved it can grow during a recession. Its budget has expanded yearly since its inception in 2007. 826 Boston's growth is steadily monitored by the capable leadership of its executive director and board.
4) Dedicated volunteers. 826 Boston employs a full-time volunteer manager and achieved Service Enterprise accreditation through the Massachusetts Service Alliance. Volunteers often become strong allies and financial supporters.
5) A sense of community. 826 Boston is an active member of the Egleston Square community, and it has built relationships with neighbors and families who attend programming at its center. Staff regularly participate in Egleston Square Main Streets meetings and events.
6) A strong partnership model. 826 Boston is able to deliver stronger programming thanks to the many partners with which it works, including surrounding universities like Northeastern University, UMass Boston, Emerson College, Simmons College, Suffolk University, Boston College and Boston University.
7) The 826 Network. 826 Boston's strength is due in large part to its membership in 826 National's award-winning network of youth writing centers, co-founded by writer Dave Eggers. With hubs in eight U.S. cities, the 826 network includes a well-developed learning community that shares research, evaluation materials, and best practices.

826 Boston's vision is supported by a comprehensive strategic planning process that charts its course during that time period. The organization's strategic plan—vetted by education advisors, current funders, and 826 Boston board, staff, parents, teachers, and volunteers—positions 826 Boston to expand, leading with its most transformative programs, effectively and sustainably. From 2016-2021, 826 Boston will open and operate at least five additional Writers' Rooms in partner schools, delivering targeted writing assistance to an additional 2,500 BPS students. The organization will grow its budget from $1 million to $2.5 million.