Student quote
“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.”
-Adan H., Shelter and Security from the student publication, A Nice Time Despite the Terrifying Experience, written by the students of 826LA’s Summer Writers Workshop
Following the incredible celebration of 826LA’s 20th anniversary at Changing the Story, I am filled with pride — not only in how far we’ve come, but in where we’re headed.
For two decades, 826LA has created spaces where young people find their voice, sharpen their creativity, and discover the power of their own stories. Together, we’ve built more than writing labs we’ve built community, possibility, and belonging. But our story is still being written.
, 826LA is more committed than ever to building spaces — physical, creative, and eles can thrive. Spaces where they are seen, heard, and supported. Spaces where owing our volunteer community, expanding access to our programs, and ensuring every young person — regardless of zip code — has a place to write their future.
Thank you for being part of this story — for believing in our students, for standing beside them, and for investing in a future where their voices lead the way.
Together, we will continue to build what Los Angeles needs most: bold, joyful spaces where every student belongs.
With gratitude and hope, Jaime Balboa
Executive Director
826LA
TITAN OF TEACHING
MR. ANDRES MARTINEZ
TIME SCOUT OF THE YEAR
MATT CONWAY
supportingstudents ages6to18 withtheircreative& expositorywriting skills.
Our classes and workshops offer a fun, safe, collaborative experience for students to express their imaginations and practice their writing skills—all supported by one-on-one attention.
A free program for students in grades 3- 6 that focuses on creative writing with added time for homework help. To enroll, students must qualify for free or reduced lunch, or attend a Title I school, and participate in all aspects of the program.
A free program for students in Grades 7 - 12 that focuses on creative writing with added time for homework help. To enroll, students must qualify for free or reduced lunch, or attend a Title I school and participate in all aspects of the program.
Our two-week summer camp for students ages 7-12 focuses on Playwriting.
826LA’s workshops inspire students by connecting them with artists, writers, and professionals to develop their creativity and writing skills across various formats, from flash fiction to AI.
Calling all teachers! Sign your school up for free, writing-based field trips. We can also come to you as part of our new Traveling Field Trips initiative. Students brainstorm and write original stories, memoir pieces, or college essays. Students’ work is published online or in a bound book.
Students receive writing support on campus as they work on personal statements for college and creative projects that accompany the course curriculum. Located at Manual Arts, Roosevelt and Venice High Schools.
826LA at The Hammer
Art + writing = a feast for the imagination. All students are welcome to sign up for our free, in-person workshops at the Hammer Museum.
Launched in Spring 2022, our Black Writers Initiative focuses on creating opportunities to support and amplify the voices of Black and African American students in our programs.
PAGE WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY
THIS PAGE WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY
THIS PAGE WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY
“Inthefaceofhatred,weriseabove withloveandunderstanding wespreadourwingsandsoarlikeadove BoyleHeights,placeofresilienceand pride.
G.R.,fromthestudentpublication RiquezasDeMisRaices,writtenbythe studentsofRooseveltHighSchool
Karen Van Kirk
Board President
Sarah Rosenwald Varet
Board Vice President
David Ullendorff
Board Treasurer
Cisca Brouwer
Development Committee Chair
Ben Au
Jeff Boos
Scott Boxenbaum
Iman Farrior
Joe Ferencz
Scott Ginsburg
Susan Ko
Hon. Holly A. Thomas
Joe Ferencz
Dave Eggers, Emeritus
J.J. Abrams
Judd Apatow
Miguel Arteta
Mac Barnett
Steve Barr
Joshuah Bearman
Amy Brooks
Father Greg Boyle, SJ
Stefan G. Bucher
Mark Flanagan
Ben Goldhirsh
Rebeccas Goldman
Ellen Goldsmith-Vein
DeAnna Gravillis
Spike Jonze
Miranda July
Catherine Keener
Keith Knight
Al Madrigal
Krystyn Madrigal
Tara Roth
Kathie McGrath
R. Scott Mitchell
Lani Monos
B.J. Novak
Miwa Okumura
Jane Patterson
Keri Putnam
Sylvie Rabineau
Sonja Rasula
Luis J. Rodriguez
Terri Hernandez Rosales
Brad Simpson
J. Ryan Stradal
Natalie Tran
Sarah Vowell
Sally Willcox
Adriana Centeno
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
Pedro Estrada
PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS
MANAGER, ECHO PARK
Mike Dunbar
PROGRAM & OPERATIONS
MANAGER, MAR VISTA
Carinne Kemp
STORE & GENERAL OPERATIONS MANAGER
Alma Carrillo
SENIOR MANAGER OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Maddie Silva
SPECIAL INITIATIVES MANAGER
Trevor Crown
SENIOR MANAGER OF VOLUNTEER ASSESSMENT AND INNOVATION
Katie Fiege
INSTITUTIONAL GIVING MANAGER
Ariadne Makridakis
SENIOR VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Ariana Ponce
SENIOR COMMUNITY RELATIONS
COORDINATOR
Cole Montgomery
SENIOR DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Arisdeysi Cruz
TUTORING PROGRAM
COORDINATOR
Wendy Beltran
PROGRAM COORDINATOR, ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL
Marco Beltran
PROGRAM COORDINATOR, MANUAL ARTS HIGH SCHOOL
Julia Malinow
IN-SCHOOLS AND TUTORING
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Wilson Swain
CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT
SPECIALIST
Caz Shen
STORE ASSOCIATE
