826CHI

826CHI is a nonprofit writing and tutoring center that supports Chicago students ages 6 to 18 with creative and expository writing. Programs include after-school tutoring and writing labs, in-school classroom support, writing roadshows, workshops and student publishing. The organization currently works as partners in residence at a Chicago theater company. Its shop, Secret Agent Supply Co., sells products whose proceeds support 826CHI’s tuition-free programs. Volunteers range from weekly tutors to professional editors, designers and Spanish-language translators who help put student writing into print.

What to know

• Volunteer roles include after-school tutoring, in-school support, workshops, events and outreach, and cover art.
• Translation, design and editing cohorts use professional skills.
• Commitments range from once a week to once a semester; the in-schools role is two sessions a week for six weeks.
• 826CHI paused new volunteer applications during the 2025-2026 school year and said it would reopen them after that year ended.
• Program questions go to programs@826chi.org.