Yahairy Colin ’26: Summer Programs Intern at 826LA

826LA is a non-profit organization committed to offering free tutoring, programs, and workshops for K-12 students, expanding educational opportunities outside of the classroom. The organization centralizes in supporting students to develop their creative writing skills and allows them to publish their stories. 826LA is dedicated to unlocking and cultivating the creative power of writing for students ages 6 to 18, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. 

As a Summer Programs Intern, I was responsible for community organizing and outreach; I communicated with families and community members to inform them about our programs. I participated in mentoring students within our Write On! Summer Camp, Senior Bridge Program, and Barnacle's Bookworms. I led multiple sessions within our programs and took responsibility as a leading programmer for our Write On! Summer Camp.

By working with 826LA, I comprehended the importance of youth development within communities as they inspire and cultivate growth among community members. As an aspiring educator, I gained more knowledge about ways students can be supported through their educational and personal development. I learned to be a leader within a team and take on leadership roles to assist our programs. Encouraging students to write was a rewarding opportunity and has empowered me to keep advocating for accessible educational opportunities.

Internship funded by Preston Public Interest Career Fund