VOLUNTEERPROGRAMS

IMPACT

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If, as Donalyn [Miller] said, books can give children light and hope and power, the work 826CHI is doing can change the world.

Jen, Volunteer and Teacher

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OUR FOCUS

In our work with our students, we focus on having an impact on three domains:

Academic Gains

  • Writing Skills
  • Engagement and motivation in school and schoolwork
  • Homework (completion/understanding)

Social / Emotional Gains

  • Confidence / Pride
  • Self-efficacy
  • Fostering creativity

Communication Skills 

  • Increased self-expression
  • Learning to ask for help
  • Interacting with adults
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WHO WE SERVE

826CHI is committed to serving Chicago students, schools, and communities most impacted by systemic disinvestment in high-quality arts and literacy education.

Our programs prioritize students who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous People of Color), LGBTQIA+, Neurodiverse learners, and English Language learners.

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2019-21 NUMBERS

STUDENTS

3,268

1st through 12th Grade Students Served

34%

English Language Learners Served (ASTW)

PROGRAMS

5

Programs

430

Program Sessions

934

Program Hours

97

Student Publications

VOLUNTEERS

811

Active Volunteers

21,326

Volunteer Hours

SCHOOLS

69

Schools

85

Teachers

42

Zip Codes

39

Wards

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EVALUATION

2020 - 2021 Survey Results

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98%
OF STUDENTS

Learned new things about how to be a good writer through our programs

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100%
OF TEACHERS

Said that their students have found a new excitement for writing after working with 826CHI

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100%
OF STUDENTS

Feel safe at 826CHI

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TESTIMONIALS

I liked that this workshop was very open to ideas and opinions. You were safe to say anything and express any emotions.

ISABELLA, STUDENT

There is no way that I, alone, would have been able to provide such in-depth feedback for all of my students. The process also helped students with goal setting and process monitoring. One of the most important benefits is how the process of working with 826 helped students become more comfortable sharing their work and receiving constructive criticism.

JENI, TEACHER

I love that she has the practice to read and write here because she would be very reluctant to do it at home with me.

TERESA, PARENT

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MEASURING SUCCESS

826CHI and the 826 National office facilitate research and evaluation for the 826 network. 

826CHI compiles an annual report summarizing data and impact from the previous fiscal year. View the FY20 and FY21 Annual Report here. We look forward to sharing our 2021-2022 report in June 2023.

826CHI also gathers impact data from surveys and an Analytic Writing Continuum developed by 826 National, in conjunction with the National Writing Project. These assessments inform future program development and help us to understand the collective impact of 826 programs.

The 826 National Research team also releases annual reports highlighting the impact and need for high quality writing education.

Read more about their findings here.

To learn about 826’s outcomes, view our Theory of Change.

Together these tools inform us of the needs of our students, our successes, and how we can continually provide high-quality programs and services to Chicago students.

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