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Ann Arbor-based 826michigan, a creative writing and tutoring lab designed to inspire school-aged students to write skillfully with the help of adult volunteers, is opening a storefront in Eastern Market at 1351 Winder Street called the Detroit Robot Factory.
Sherri Welch of Crain's Detroit Business reports that the company is affiliated of 826 National, a San Francisco-based nonprofit co-founded by novelist Dave Egger. It has a storefront in Ann Arbor.
Crain's reports:
The new site will enable 826michigan to expand the creative writing programs it has offered in Detroit classrooms and local libraries for the past three years, and to begin offering free after-school, drop-in tutoring and creative writing workshops on subjects from silly to serious and opportunities for students to get their writing published.
The store will sell robot kits and robot-themed novelties and toys and Detroit-centric products to generate revenue to cover rent, Crain's reports.
The website describes the program this way:
Our writing and tutoring programs uphold a culture of creativity and imagination and support students in establishing strong habits of mind. Through publication and community engagement, we provide students with an authentic and enthusiastic audience for their writing.
Our programs provide an energizing creative outlet for students and meaningful volunteer opportunities for community members. We believe that with one-on-one attention from caring adults, students improve their academic performance, develop a sense of belonging, and discover the unique value of their voices.
With this understanding in mind, we provide drop-in tutoring, field trips, after-school workshops, in-schools tutoring, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications.
