New Stories. New School Year

New stories. New school year. New possibilities
A Fresh Year of Writing Begins Because of Your Support! 

Dear Friends,

As summer fades and the school year begins, we at 826 MSP are filled with gratitude, excitement, and a deep sense of purpose. Every fall, our writing center comes alive again with the voices of young people ready to share their stories, ask big questions, and imagine new possibilities. This year is no different—and in many ways, it feels even more urgent and hopeful.
 
Over the past year, our students have written and published works that move us to laughter, to tears, and to action. From climate change stories in Raft to the joyful, imaginative chapbooks Feeling Feelings and The Greatest Stories You’ll Ever Read, young authors across the Twin Cities have shown us that their words matter and that when they are given space, guidance, and encouragement, they rise with brilliance. We also look forward to releasing Meet(ing) the Moment, a powerful anthology created in partnership with the Carlson Family Foundation, which reminds us that youth perspectives are essential in shaping our shared future.
 
None of this would be possible without the constellation of caring adults who make 826 MSP thrive. To our volunteers who sit side-by-side with students, to our donors and foundation partners who believe in this work, and to families who entrust us with their children’s voices—we say thank you. Your support makes every published page, every classroom workshop, and every after-school breakthrough possible.
 
As we step into this new school year, we carry with us a simple truth: young people already have the wisdom, creativity, and courage we need. Our job is to nurture it, amplify it, and share it widely. Together, we are building a brighter, more just future, one story at a time.
 
In Community,
The 826 MSP Team