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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 equitable access to high quality writing and literary arts education for Chicago youth.

Our programs support students from families who identify as low-income or who attend under-resourced Chicago schools.

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2018-19 NUMBERS

STUDENTS

3,602

1st through 12th Grade Students Served

34%

English Language Learners Served (ASTW)

PROGRAMS

5

Programs

355

Program Sessions

962.5

Program Hours

1,790

Student Publications

VOLUNTEERS

385

Active Volunteers

21,326

Volunteer Hours

SCHOOLS

120

Schools

103

Teachers

38

Zip Codes

39

Wards

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EVALUATION

2018 - 2019 Survey Results

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94%
OF STUDENTS

Say 826CHI has helped them to become better writers

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100%
OF TEACHERS

Said that their students were challenged by our program

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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 FY19 Annual Report here. We look forward to sharing our 2019-2021 report sharing the story of our impact over the course of the pandemic in June 2022.

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.

See their findings here, here, and 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 improve our services to Chicago students.

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