826NYC

826NYC
Name	826NYC
Founded	2004
Founders	Dave Eggers, Ninive Calegari
Location	Brooklyn, New York City
Services	Youth writing, tutoring, publishing

826NYC 826NYC is a nonprofit youth writing center and tutoring organization based in Brooklyn, New York City that offers after-school tutoring, workshops, and publication opportunities for students. The organization operates a storefront and programs that connect young writers with volunteer mentors from creative industries, literary institutions, and civic organizations. 826NYC is part of a broader network of youth literacy centers inspired by similar models in San Francisco and has collaborated with a range of cultural institutions and media organizations.

History

826NYC was founded in 2004 by Dave Eggers and Ninive Calegari following the establishment of a prototype in San Francisco; its founding intersected with literary movements and philanthropic efforts linked to figures such as Sarah Vowell, Nick Hornby, and institutions like McSweeney's. Early development involved partnerships with local groups including Public Advocacy and neighborhood stakeholders in Park Slope, with program models influenced by 826 Valencia and later sister organizations like 826LA and 826CHI. Over time, governance and advisory relationships connected 826NYC to cultural entities such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, and arts funders in New York City while engaging volunteers from universities like Columbia University, New York University, and Barnard College.

Mission and Programs

The stated mission emphasizes youth literacy and creative expression, aligning programmatic goals with collaborators from publishing and broadcast institutions such as Vintage Books, Random House, Penguin Books, NPR, and PBS. Core offerings include after-school tutoring sessions influenced by curricula used in partnerships with Teachers College, Columbia University affiliates, in-school workshops modeled on collaborations with organizations like 826 National and professional development exchanges with National Writing Project. Programs also draw volunteers and guest instructors from The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The New York Times Book Review, and arts organizations such as Brooklyn Academy of Music, Lincoln Center, and MoMA.

Pirate Supply Store and Brick-and-Mortar Spaces

826NYC’s retail front operates as a themed pirate supply store, a creative storefront concept first made notable by 826 Valencia founders and mirrored in cultural promotions involving personalities like Jon Scieszka and Lemony Snicket. The store’s merchandising and public-facing events have involved collaborations with retail partners and designers who have worked with brands such as Urban Outfitters and institutions including Brooklyn Museum and Smithsonian Institution. Physical spaces have hosted readings and launches featuring authors from HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Faber & Faber, and nonprofit events co-presented with venues like Housing Works Bookstore and literary festivals including Brooklyn Book Festival and National Book Festival.

Notable Projects and Publications

826NYC has produced student-authored books and anthologies, working with professional editors from McSweeney's, Tin House, Granta, and collaborators from magazines such as The Atlantic Monthly and Harper's Magazine. Notable projects include themed chapbooks and collections that have been showcased at events with authors from Jonathan Safran Foer, Zadie Smith, Joan Didion, Toni Morrison, Salman Rushdie, and contributions from journalists at The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. Educational publishing initiatives have intersected with curricula from Teachers College Press and distribution partnerships influenced by networks connected to City Lights Booksellers and independent presses like Graywolf Press.

Partnerships and Funding

Funding and partnerships have spanned private donors, foundation support, and corporate sponsors, involving foundations such as The Ford Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, and arts funders like New York Foundation for the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts. Corporate and institutional partners have included media organizations such as The New York Times Company, ViacomCBS, and tech firms that have collaborated on literacy initiatives alongside universities including NYU and Pratt Institute. Volunteer and programmatic partnerships also draw from nonprofits and advocacy groups like 826 National, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, City Year, and local public schools under the purview of New York City Department of Education stakeholders.

Impact and Recognition

826NYC’s work has been recognized in coverage by The New York Times, The New Yorker, Time (magazine), and The Atlantic, and has received commendations from literary figures and institutions including PEN America, National Book Foundation, and award committees linked to Pulitzer Prize jurors and PEN/Hemingway Award panels. The organization’s influence is reflected in alumni who have pursued studies at institutions such as Columbia University, Brown University, Yale University, and arts careers tied to publishers like Knopf and venues like Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Community impact assessments and independent evaluations have been cited in reports by cultural funders including Americans for the Arts and urban policy groups active in Brooklyn civic planning.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in New York City