April 2, 2025
An important update from Executive Director Corey Yarbrough with a vision for 826 Boston’s future without federal funding.
You can watch a video from Corey or read his letter below.
You can also watch and share the video on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn with this information.
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Dear friends,
The last few months have been turbulent times for many of us, including those working in education and at nonprofits. I wanted to share an important update and decision that 826 Boston has made.
New policies implemented by the Trump administration state that agencies must end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within federal grant and contract processes. After thoughtful consideration from 826 Boston’s Senior Management Team, Program Managers, and our Board of Directors, we have determined that this requirement does not align with our values or vision for the organization.
826 Boston’s six Writers’ Rooms in Boston Public Schools are staffed with one full time Writers’ Room Manager and two AmeriCorps service members. These individuals work to support educators and provide individualized writing and academic support to students on a daily basis.
What was decided and why
Given recent policy changes in federal funding, 826 Boston has decided to withdraw its application for funding for the 2025-2026 AmeriCorps program year. The funding, amounting to roughly $250,000 per year, is too uncertain and potentially restrictive to include in next year’s budget. This decision, ultimately, allows us to continue the work many of you have come to love about our organization amplifying youth voices and sharing diverse stories.
826 Boston will continue to operate six Writers’ Rooms in Boston Public Schools with eleven service members from AmeriCorps through July 2025. For the 2025-2026 school year, 826 Boston will hire new staff to fill these positions. The positions will be open to everyone, including current and past AmeriCorps members. The positions will be posted in late April.
Since 2008, 826 Boston has worked with more than 100 service members with support from AmeriCorps VISTA, Mass Promise Fellowship, Commonwealth Corps, and other organizations. Their work has been invaluable to 826 Boston’s growth, helping us to expand programs at our tutoring center in Roxbury and Writers’ Rooms in Boston Public Schools. We have also benefited from service members who have joined us as full-time staff in various capacities. We would not be where we are today without these service members and the support of the Massachusetts Service Alliance over the years.
That said, we feel we can no longer count on this program to deliver services to students. There are many concerns that led to our decision, including:
The funding’s uncertainty, given cuts to federal agencies.
The funding’s restrictions, including alignment with federal orders, creates anxiety for the entire organization as well as for service members.
The pool of candidates considering service positions in the future could be reduced due to the uncertainty of the funding.
And most importantly, we firmly believe that students in 826 Boston programs should feel free to express themselves through writing without fear. The prospect of avoiding certain topics that teachers and/or students want to explore through writing runs counter to our mission statement.
Next steps
Moving forward, 826 Boston will apply for more grants and cultivate new relationships with donors and foundations that align with our values. We are withdrawing our AmeriCorps application on our own terms to preserve 826 Boston’s integrity, values, and mission, which we hope will help us build a stronger community with staff, students, guardians, volunteers, and donors.
Our funding comes from generous donors, grants, foundations, and corporations.
Here’s how you can help us at this critical time:
1. Donate: Help us write our next chapter by making a tax-deductible contribution. Consider making a recurring donation as consistent support in these uncertain times goes a long way.
2. Volunteer and help us maintain individualized writing support as a tutor in our in-school and after-school programs.
3. Join us for an online donor roundtable on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST to learn more about how our community can support students to write their paths forward.
Thank you for being a crucial part of our mission to elevate the creativity and brilliance of Boston’s youth. Your continued support means the world to us.
Regards,
Corey Yarbrough
Executive Director
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