National Youth Poet Laureate and 826 National Board member, Amanda Gorman, from her foreword to 826 National’s publication Poets in Revolt!

“First and foremost, I’m the daughter of a sixth grade English teacher, which means everyday my single mother demonstrated for me what can be accomplished if students are encouraged to read, write, imagine, and speak up. Few organizations have dedicated themselves to the creed more creatively, deeply, and transcendently than 826 National. It is the largest youth writing network in the United States, serving nearly 110,000 K-12 students who overwhelmingly reside in under-resourced communities."

Amanda captivated our nation during the 46th presidential inauguration today. Her words infused hope into a ceremony defined by tradition and overshadowed by the profound hardships our nation faces. 

We listened as Amanda read her poem, The Hill We Climb, and were profoundly moved by what it, and she, represents: 

The power of youth voice and the vitality of the written word. 

Amanda Gorman embodies 826's mission and the importance of making space where youth can write their future.

Join 826 National as we continue to build a movement of youth voice. Your pledge today enables nine writing centers to create safe, supportive space for nearly 110,000 youth to write and thrive. 

"We, the successors of a country and a time,

Where a skinny black girl,

Descended from slaves and raised by a single mother,

Can dream of becoming president,

Only to find herself reciting for one.”

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About 826:

Rooted in the belief that strong writing skills are essential for academic and lifelong success, the 826 Network serves K-12 educators and students ages 6 to 18 through 826 Digital, our free online platform, and writing programs offered by nine chapters in Boston, Chicago, Detroit/Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New Orleans, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Each year the 826 Network reaches nearly 110,000 students in all 50 states and beyond—more than 82,000 students through 826 Digital and 27,000 students through chapters.