826 Valencia

Last updated on August 22, 2008

826 Valencia is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Our services are structured around the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. With this in mind we provide drop-in tutoring, after-school workshops, in-schools tutoring, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications. All of our programs are challenging and enjoyable, and ultimately strengthen each student's power to express ideas effectively, creatively, confidently, and in his or her individual voice.

Description:
*Please visit our website and fill out a volunteer application to get started!

After school tutor
This program will resume in September 2008! We are accepting volunteer applications now to arrange for volunteer interviews. We are looking for volunteers with weekday afternoon availability to participate in our after school tutoring program at 826 Valencia. The program takes place Monday-Thursday from 2:30-5:30 PM. The after school program is free for students, with approximately 80 students enrolled this past year and 50-60 students in attendance each afternoon. These students come to 826 for help with their reading and homework, including social studies, writing assignments, spelling exercises, and math. We are dependent upon our tutors to ensure that we have one-on-one interaction with every student.

In-Schools Volunteer
This program will resume in September 2008! We are accepting volunteer applications now to arrange for volunteer interviews. We are looking for volunteers to work on our in-schools projects with local public schools during the school day. We partner with many San Francisco public schools, such as Wallenberg Traditional High School, Mission High School, and César Chávez Elementary. We have even established our own Writers' rooms at Everett Middle School and, more recently, James Lick Middle School. Some of our previous in-schools projects have included weekly tutoring sessions at Everett Middle School with 6th-8th graders on their school newspaper titled the Straight-Up News, the magazine project at Mission High School, and worm journeys at Guadalupe Elementary School. Everett offers a more casual usage of both English and Spanish in the classroom and James Lick features a well-established bilingual immersion program. Both schools therefore provide volunteers an opportune time to practice their Spanish skills as well as learn different ESL strategies from the teachers. We are always looking for more volunteers to go into these schools to continue to make these projects a success.

English Language Learners Program
This six-week program will start June 9th. We are accepting volunteer applications now to arrange for volunteer interviews. We are looking for volunteers to work with 2nd through 5th graders on project-based activities, including writing and performing plays, getting to the bottom of exciting news stories, and creating artisan books with San Francisco Center for the Book. The program takes place on weekdays from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, although you can choose to come just for the morning or just for the afternoon. These students come to 826 Valencia to work on their English speaking skills. We are always looking for more tutors, to give each child the one-on-one attention he or she deserves.

Summer Writing Camp
This free, week-long workshop will start on August 11th. We are accepting volunteer applications now to arrange for volunteer interviews. We are looking for volunteers to help high school students develop their creative writing skills. Students will also team up with professional writers, poets, and spoken word artists. Guest speakers for the 2008 camp will be announced shortly. In past years, guest speakers have included Michael Chabon, Dave Eggers, Valetino Achak Deng, James Kass, Stephen Elliott, Erica Lopez, Nina Marie Martinez, Spike Jonze, Julie Orringer, Noah Hawley, Kim Addonizio, Melissa Mathison, Ryan Hartley, and Mark Danner.The schedule each day will be from 10 AM to 5PM, including a lunch break. Classes will be held at both 826 Valencia and Youth Speaks. Throughout the week there will be optional group evening activities. On Friday we will celebrate student work with an evening reading.

Contact person: Marisa Gedney, Programs Assistant, (phone), (email)
Main office number: (415) 642-5905
Office fax number: (415) 642-5914

Address:

826 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(See a map)

Web Site: http://www.826valencia.org

Directions:

Between 19th and 20th Streets
  Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 16th Street BART station,
  Walk distance (in minutes): 10
  Nearest Bus Stop: Valencia/19th Street on the 26 MUNI line, 1 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?

Spanish

What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?

high school age

Is your agency wheelchair accessible?

Yes

Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?

Yes

Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?

Yes

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