THRougH THe PageS and InTO THe YeaRS:
A Tale of IMAGINATION, IMPACT, and BRAVE NEW VOICES
2024 - 2025 IMPACT REPORT numbeRs
oveRvIew
49,402 Hours of Individualized Writing Support
8,095 Students Served
164 Educators Supported
493 Students Received CollegeAccessSupport
69 Partner Schools
23,845 Volunteer Hours
16 Publications
832 Volunteers
Together with our schools, families, and volunteers, 826LA builds spaces where young people can grow as writers and creators. The numbers reflect the strength of our community: 87% of school partners are Title I schools 20% of students are English Language Learners
98.1% of students, teachers, parents, and volunteers agree that 826LA creates a culture of creativity for students
A LETTER FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JaIme balboa
Dear 826ers,
Last night I dreamt I went to 826LA again… and in that dream, the shelves were brimming with possibility. Young authors were weaving new worlds from memory and metaphor. Volunteers huddled beside students, unlocking the stories they could tell. It felt like magic, but of course, it was real. It always has been.
For two decades, 826LA has been a joyful place where imagination takes root and brave voices bloom. Our students have shown us that stories aren’t just ink on paper; they’re mirrors and maps, catalysts and companions. And in 2025, we are celebrating 20 years of writing this story together, poem by poem, page by page, possibility by possibility.
But, like every great tale, the path forward includes challenges.
826LA faces a shifting landscape. Federal budget cuts threaten vital streams of support that have helped us offer free, high-quality programs to thousands of students each year. It’s a plot twist we didn’t write, but it’s one we’re ready to meet.
826LA was built, and is sustained by a courageous, generous community: by people like you who believe that every young person deserves the chance to write their own future.
This plot twist is not the end; it’s a call to action. Together, we can expand access, deepen impact, and dream bigger as we imagine the next 20 years.
Thank you for walking with us, for standing beside our storytellers, and for helping us craft a future full of wonder.
With deep gratitude,
Jaime Balboa EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A LETTER FROM 826LA’S BOARD PRESIDENT
k aRen van kIRk
Dear Friends,
When I first stepped into 826LA as a volunteer, it felt like entering a story already in motion, one written by young people dreaming boldly, writing bravely, and crafting something extraordinary with their words. Years later, as Board President, that feeling hasn’t changed. If anything, it’s grown stronger.
As we celebrate Through the Pages and Into the Years: A Tale of Imagination, Impact, and Brave New Voices, I’m reflecting on the thousands of students who’ve filled our centers, classrooms, and The Time Travel Mart with their curiosity, humor, and truth. Each voice has added a new chapter to the story of a more imaginative, compassionate Los Angeles.
And you, our community, have helped write this story. Through your time, generosity, and belief in our mission, you’ve ensured that young authors are not only heard but celebrated.
The next chapter won’t be without its challenges. With critical funding at risk, we’re reminded of just how important our community is in sustaining this work. But 826LA has always been built on imagination, resilience, and the power of storytelling, and that is what will carry us forward.
Thank you for being part of our story, past, present, and future.
With deep gratitude,
Karen Van Kirk 826LA BOARD PRESIDENT
CHAPTER 1
The guIdIng sPell
26LA is dedicated to unlocking and cultivating the creative power of writing for students ages 6 to 18, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Strong writing skills are fundamental to future success, and every young person deserves the opportunity to share their voice with the world.
826LA envisions a Los Angeles where every child has access to quality writing education and is empowered to express themselves creatively through writing. We envision a Los Angeles where every teacher is supported in their writing-based educational objectives.
For 20 years, our mission has guided us through challenges, triumphs, and transformation, and it continues to shape every sentence, story, and student we serve.
CHAPTER 2
826la TuRns
20 YeaRs old
Two decades of building stories, lifting voices, and weaving words with thousands of students as our co-authors.
MOST RECENT MILESTONES
year of chapters well-written, voices well raised, and magic well-made!
8,095 sTudenTs wRoTe wITh us
ThIs YeaR
From elementary schools to high schools, imaginations soared across our writing labs, Writers’ Rooms, workshops, partnerships, and field trips.
we began buIldIng The Young auThoRs PodCasT
A new adventure in storytelling is on the horizon—soon, student voices will echo across the airwaves, sharing truth, humor, and heart with listeners far and wide.
we PublIshed oveR 15 oRIgInal sTudenT anThologIes
Real books, real authors, real impact. Our shelves and students’ confidence are more full than ever.
hundReds of volunTeeRs helPed bRIng sToRIes To lIfe
More than 800 volunteers shared their time and heart, transforming blank pages into brave ones with our students.
CHAPTER 3
The heaRT of The Tale
ast year, 8,095 young storytellers came through 826LA’s doors—from Echo Park to Mar Vista to classrooms across Los Angeles. Each program is free of charge, grounded in creativity, shaped by culture, and fueled by joy. No matter where they are, our students know their voices and ideas are not just welcomed, they’re celebrated.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS:
From Monday to Thursday, 826LA’s Writing Labs become realms of possibility, where students receive free one-onone tutoring and conquer homework quests with the support of dedicated volunteers.
Inspired by creative prompts, students craft original stories that are published in anthologies throughout the year. Each book is unveiled at a release party, where young authors read their work aloud and earn thunderous applause from an audience of cheering families, peers, and volunteers.
sTudenTs: 207
PublICaTIons: 3
“Barking for joy, my dog trying to eat the windy sky from the window.”
– BRANDON H. FROM THE STUDENT PUBLICATION WHISPERS OF THE AVENUE , WRITTEN BY THE STUDENTS OF WRITE ON! AFTER SCHOOL
FIELD TRIPS:
Each week, 826LA welcomes classes from public schools throughout the city into our Writing Labs for creative field trips that spark imagination and strengthen writing skills. In just a few hours, students brainstorm, write, revise, and leave with a published story or polished piece of writing and a renewed sense of confidence.
sTudenTs: 2,918
PublICaTIons: 124
IN SCHOOLS:
Through our in-schools programming and Writers’ Rooms at Manual Arts, Roosevelt, and Venice High Schools, trained volunteers provide one-on-one support directly in under-resourced classrooms. By collaborating with educators, we help students strengthen their skills, grow their confidence, and bring their stories to life.
Our Writers’ Rooms serve as a third space within the schools we serve.
“When you get inside my door you will have magic… My future is… magic.”
sTudenTs: 4,475
PublICaTIons: 8
– KYREE M. FROM THE STUDENT PUBLICATION DOORS TO OUR FUTURE , WRITTEN BY THE STUDENTS OF 74TH ST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
REFLECTIONS ON EXPERIENCE
abIsola f. from the publication The Light We Carry: A Mosaic of Voices, written by the students of Venice High School’s Black Literature Club (BLIT) program.
You asked me to share with you, My experience.
Something hard to do since it is so often altered by the present.
What does it mean to be Black?
To that question I could respond, With my struggles and pain - the fight to feel beautiful.
I could talk about the joy I feel every time I remember that I won’t turn red with sunburn. While all of that is my truth, It doesn’t capture my experience.
So what does it mean to be Black? (to me of course)
My answer is that it means nothing. Everything is meaningless. By acknowledging this truth
I grant myself the power,
To ascribe the experience of blackness whatever meaning best serves me in the moment.
I am not confined to any stereotype or expectation. My existence is independent of all external eyes.
Whether or not you see me, I am here.
And, I am more than the color, Than skin, Than a body.
I am to be experienced, Not confined by words.
WRITERS WORKSHOPS:
826LA’s Workshops invite young writers to step into a world of creative exploration.
Guided by artists, authors, and professionals, students delve into realms such as flash fiction, playwriting, and even the future of AI, all while building confidence and discovering the power of their voice.
Special gatherings, such as our Summer Writers Workshop and monthly sessions at The Hammer Museum, add extra spark to the mix. This year, students from across Los Angeles came together to create not one, but two enchanting publications: I Miss You, August, in partnership with The Green Bus ARTSPACE, and A Nice Time Despite the Terrifying Experience. Each workshop is a new adventure, and every student is an emerging storyteller.
TeaChIng aRTIsTs: 22
PublICaTIons: 5
– ADAN H. , FROM THE PUBLICATION A NICE TIME DESPITE THE TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE , WRITTEN BY THE STUDENTS OF 826LA’S SUMMER WRITERS WORKSHOP sTudenTs: 641
“Home isn’t just a house, it can be the library, it can even be here at 826LA. With all that being said, a home is somewhere you can be you.”
COLLEGE ACCESS:
Every young dreamer deserves a path forward.
826LA’s College and Career Access Program helps students navigate their next chapter with confidence. In the fall, they receive one-on-one support to craft power ful college application essays. In the spring, they tackle scholarship writing with the help of dedicated volunteers.
Our year-round career readiness initiatives, including robust internships, mock interviews, resume and cover letter workshops, equip students with real-world experience. With guidance, encouragement, and belief in their voice, students leave ready to write their future.
sTudenTs: 3,055
volunTeeRs: 251
“At the beginning, 826LA meant an extra space that wasn’t school or as strict as school, but still gave us educational opportunities,” Juliana remembers. “It was a place where our mom could send us while she worked, and where we got one-on-one guidance that made a big social impact on our family.”
or over a decade, 826LA has been more than an after-school program for siblings
Juliana, Adan, and Ariana.
It has been a second home, a creative incubator, and a place where generations of family experience have turned into stories. What began as a quiet step into a tutoring program became a legacy of storytelling, leadership, and self-expression that continues to shape their lives.
SIBLING SNAPSHOTS
Jul Iana The Trailblazer
Juliana was the first sibling to walk through 826LA’s doors. Now a college student and intern, she reflects on how far she’s come.
“It’s comforting knowing my siblings didn’t have to feel the nervousness I did. They just got to enjoy what 826LA had to offer.”
Favorite Writing Memory: A story I wrote about my dad making salad in Mexico titled “Was The Salad That Good?” which was published in I Could Smell It From A Room Away. “It was my way of expressing something I never got to talk about. My dad was deported when I was little, and writing gave me a voice.”
Career Influence: “826LA shaped my confidence in writing. I noticed the difference in college. I wanted to give back in the same way, to intern in education and help others the way I was helped.”
adan The Creative Visionary
From Nickelodeon field trips to mythical dog adventures, Adan found his storytelling voice through 826LA.
“Writing can go farther than words. You can write things you don’t want to say.”
Favorite Writing Memory: A fantasy story about two dogs, one angel, and one devil that evolved through many drafts thanks to a dedicated volunteer.
Current Role: 826LA intern. “It’s cool seeing it from the other side. I used to be the kid who left books everywhere. Now I’m the one picking them up and supporting them.”
aRIana The Next Generation
Ariana never knew a time without 826LA. She has grown up with 826LA and now thrives as a storyteller.
“When I started in 5th grade, I was reading at a 4th-grade level. Now I’m almost at a 6th-grade level. 826LA helped me so much.”
Favorite Story: A character named Yaretzi (her middle name), talking back to ancestors. “I like writing stories now. It shows me I can be a writer. (on being a published writer)”
Dream Invite: “I’d bring my friend Sophie into the writing world at 826LA. She’d love it here!”
WHAT DOES 826LA MEAN TO YOUR FAMILY?
Juliana “At first, 826LA was a safe, supportive space where our mom could send us to get help with homework. Later, it became a place that nurtured our creativvity.”
Adan “I didn’t like doing homework as a kid, but having a space where you go for an hour or two makes a difference. It helped me learn how to work and later helped me discover my passion for film.”
Ariana It helps me a lot. It’s a fun and safe space. I’ve been coming since I was really young.”
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF 826LA?
Juliana “I was so nervous in second grade. Everyone seemed to know each other already. Ariana, though, basically grew up here. She was already part of the furniture before she officially joined, always hanging out on the couch.”
Adan “I was already familiar with the space from school field trips and fun characters like Professor Barnacle. It made the transition easy.”
Ariana “When I became a student, I already knew what was going on. I had been watching my siblings and sitting on the couch with a book. It just felt normal.”
HOW DID 826LA INFLUENCE YOUR CREATIVITY AND EXPRESSION?
Juliana “We joke about being expressive siblings, but I think it’s true. 826LA helped us communicate our feelings and ideas openly.”
Adan “The workshops and volunteers taught us how to be expressive in writing, and that carried into our family life.”
Ariana “Now I actually like writing stories. Before, I used to hate it.”
ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER FAMILIES?
Juliana “Make the sacrifice. It’s not always easy to drop kids off and pick them up, but it’s worth the gas and time. It became part of our routine.”
Adan “Do it. Just join. The hardest part is committing. The skills you pick up, like communication, are worth it.”
Ariana “It’s fun! We make stories and act them out. I would tell other kids how much they’ll like it.”
CHAPTER 5
a gaTheRIng of The ImagInaTIves
826 FEST:
On the 24th day of August, in sunny Los Angeles, 826LA celebrated 20 years of storytelling at our Echo Park Writing Center. Students, families, volunteers, and champions of 826LA gathered for a festival that celebrated our shared story. There were tacos in hand, games aplenty, an open mic full of brave voices, and plenty of joy.
POETRY IN THE PARK:
In September of 2024, in the heart of Mar Vista, 826LA hosted a gathering of word-weavers, both young and wise. Guided by LA-based writer Heidi Lepe and our Community Engagement team, students and their families conjured poems celebrating culture, heritage, and the stories passed down through generations of shared meals.
The event brought together multiple generations for a storytelling experience, where participants shared personal memories, explored metaphor, and built community in the park.
CHANGING THE STORY:
To mark two decades of imagination and impact, 826LA’s young authors took center stage at our annual Changing the Story gala in May. We celebrated not only their voices but the champions who’ve helped make this work possible.
Groundlings member, Lyric Lewis, led us on an enchanting field trip with a special appearance by Professor Barnacle. We honored treasured allies—Joel Arquillos, founder Dave Eggers, super volunteer Matt Conway, educator Mr. Andrés Martinez, and long-time supporters, The Karisma Foundation—whose belief in young storytellers has helped shape this tale from the very beginning.
CHAPTER 6
The guIld of guIdIng voICes
VOLUNTEERS:
For two decades, 826LA’s impact has been driven by the dedication of our volunteers. With commitment and care, they have supported young writers across Los Angeles, helping them develop their stories, build confidence, and find their voices.
Whether aiding a second grader in crafting a time-traveling hero or guiding a high schooler through the quest of college essays, these mentors have built spaces where every student, especially those from historically underrepresented communities, feels seen, heard, and celebrated. Without them, our tale could not be told.
The l edgeR of The l and
very meaningful story requires strong support. Thanks to your generosity, students attend free workshops, access writing supplies, and work closely with experienced volunteers who guide their creative journeys.
Fiscal Year 2025 Revenue: $2,175,305
FISCAL YEAR 2025 EXPENSE RATIOS:
Fundraising
wheRe TIme bends and books begIn
THE TIME TRAVEL MART: SHOP THE PAST, PRESENT, AND YET-TO-COME!
tep into The Time Travel Mart, the only convenience store for travelers of all timelines, nestled right here in the heart of Los Angeles.
Need Robot Milk for your metallic companion? Mammoth Chunks for your prehistoric picnics? A Portable Wormhole for a quick escape? We have just the thing, no flux capacitor or fairy godmother required.
Behind the shelves lies the real journey, one that spans time, imagination, and lived experience: Every purchase powers 826LA’s free writing programs for young dreamers.
• Stock up on temporal essentials
• Support the next generation of storytellers
• Shop in-store or online at www.TimeTravelMart.com
• Help us build the future, one bottle of Robot Milk at a time!
THE FUTURE BESTSELLERS CLUB
InvesT In The voICes ThaT wIll shaPe The fuTuRe!
At 826LA, we believe every student is the author of their own epic, and with the right support, those tales can become legendary bestsellers.
By joining the Future Bestsellers Club, our monthly giving program, you provide the tools, guidance, and support that help young writers bring their stories to life.
• Monthly support that builds brave new voices
• Exclusive dispatches, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes wonders
• Real impact, written one chapter at a time
• Be a story builder!
suPPoRT The nex T geneR aTIon of auThoRs, aCTIvIsTs, and dReameRs. Join Future Bestsellers Club today at 826LA.org/bestsellers
Because every great writer needs a first great reader.
CHAPTER 9
The bel IeveRs behInd The sToRY
Supporters
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AnnaB
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Madeline
Gabriel
Megan
Mars
Maddi
Brettany
Yoli
Daphannie
Jiselle Maglinti Meggie
Cadence Liang
Quetzal Machado
Samuel Levy
Sophia Odunsi
Aven
Kerry Mulhern-Beauchamp
Ryuichiro Nonomura
Gerardo Flores-Seo
Stephanie Liu
Andrea Arango
Board
Karen Van Kirk
BOARD PRESIDENT
Sarah Rosenwald Varet
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
David Ullendorff
BOARD TREASURER
Cisca Brouwer
Ben Au
Jeff Boos
Scott Boxenbaum
Iman Farrior
Joe Ferencz
Scott Ginsburg
Susan Ko
Holly Thomas Staff
Jaime Balboa
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Diego Quevedo
CHIEF OF STAFF
Shani Foster
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Christie Thomas
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Mateo Acosta
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Alma Carrillo
SENIOR MANAGER OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Trevor Crown
SENIOR MANAGER OF VOLUNTEER INNOVATION AND ASSESSMENT
Pedro Estrada
PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS MANAGER, ECHO PARK
Mike Dunbar
PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS MANAGER, MAR VISTA
Carinne Kemp
STORE AND GENERAL OPERATIONS MANAGER
Katie Feige
INSTITUTIONAL GIVING MANAGER
Cole Montgomery
SENIOR DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Ariadne Makridakis Arroyo
SENIOR COMMUNITY RELATIONS COORDINATOR
Ariana Ponce Olivares
SENIOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Wendy Beltran
SENIOR WRITERS’ ROOM PROGRAM COORDINATOR, ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL
Marco Beltran
WRITERS’ ROOM PROGRAM COORDINATOR, MANUAL ARTS HIGH SCHOOL
Arisdeysi Cruz
TUTORING PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Julia Malinow
IN SCHOOLS AND TUTORING PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Wilson Swain
CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Caz Shen
STORE ASSOCIATE
very great tale needs a cast of heroes, and at 826LA, that includes volunteers, donors, shoppers, and partners who believe in the power of youth voices.
VOLUNTEER
Join our fellowship of mentors, guides, and champions who help students conquer the blank page, one brave sentence at a time.
DONATE
Your gift is more than gold; it’s the spark that lights the lanterns of creativity, confidence, and possibility for these students across the realm.
SHOP
Every enchanted item at The Time Travel Mart supports our free writing programs. Stock your satchel with Robot Milk, Mammoth Chunks, and imagination.
PARTNER
Bring your voice to the table! Collaborate with us on events, publications, and programs that uplift young authors and expand our shared story.
hether you give your time, talents, or treasure, you become a part of something timeless: a future written by the voices of today.
