Good writing is useful no matter what you want to study or do in the future. If you’re a high school student in Massachusetts who wants to get better at it while still in school, a summer writing program in the state can be one of the best ways to learn and practice. These programs give you the chance to try out different types of writing like poetry, fiction, journalism, or personal essays.
Massachusetts is home to top universities, writing centers, libraries, and nonprofits that offer a wide range of writing programs for high school students. Joining one of these local summer programs can also help you build a stronger writing portfolio, boost your resume, and show colleges that you are serious about writing and communication. Whether you plan to pursue writing or not, being able to write well will help you stand out in any field.
To help you choose the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of 15 summer writing programs in Massachusetts that are open to high school students!
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Full financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program lets you explore research in a subject you care about while working closely with a Ph.D. mentor. Over twelve weeks, you will build an independent research paper step by step, with personalized guidance all the way through. You can choose from topics like psychology, physics, economics, engineering, computer science, chemistry, data science, and international relations. Apply here.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts throughout the year, including Summer.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Founded by Harvard graduates, Veritas AI offers online programs that help you explore artificial intelligence and data science through hands-on learning. If you’re just starting, the AI Scholars program teaches the basics of AI in ten interactive sessions. You’ll learn how AI works through both theory and practice.
If you already know a bit about the field, the AI Fellowship pairs you with a university researcher for personalized mentorship as you work on an independent project. You can explore topics like how AI shapes society, and how data influences media, or even write a research paper that connects technology with communication or ethics. Check past work here.
3. Young Writers Workshop | Bard College
Location: Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Great Barrington, MA or virtual
Cost: $3,600 (in person); $600 (virtual).
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions begin on January 15
Program Dates: In person: July 6– 26. Virtual: August 4–8.
Eligibility: This program is for students currently completing grades 9, 10, and 11.
The Young Writers Workshop at Simon’s Rock is a summer program where you can grow as a writer alongside about 80 other high school students. You’ll join small workshops led by experienced instructors and explore genres like poetry, fiction, memoir, and personal essays. Each day includes writing sessions, group discussions, and feedback from peers and mentors.
You’ll also read contemporary work to inspire your writing and sharpen your ideas. Outside of class, you’ll enjoy campus life through recreational activities and downtime with other students. By the end, you’ll have a collection of drafts that show your progress and reflect your voice.
4. Juniper Institute for Young Writers | UMass Amherst
Location: University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA with an online option
Cost: Residential: $5100; Commuter: $2200; Online: $1,300
Application Deadline: March 7 (in-person) | April 7 (online)
Program Dates: Residential: July 13–26 | July 27–August 9 . Online: July 7–11
Eligibility: All applicants must be rising sophomores through graduating seniors to apply.
The Juniper Institute for Young Writers is a summer program where you can focus on creative writing with a close-knit group of high school students. Led by MFA instructors, you’ll take part in writing labs, craft discussions, and group workshops designed to help you try new techniques and strengthen your voice. You’ll share your work in a supportive setting, give and receive feedback, and explore different styles of writing. If you join in person at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, you’ll experience campus life and enjoy a few off-campus outings with your group.
5. Teen Summer Writing Fellowship: GrubStreet
Location: GrubStreet Center for Creative Writing, Boston, MA
Cost: No cost; participants are paid a stipend of $800 on the completion of the program.
Application Deadline: March 17
Program Dates: July 21–August 8
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students entering grades 9–12 in the fall and residents of Boston or the Greater Boston area
The Teen Summer Writing Fellowship is a three-week program that helps you grow as a writer while exploring different genres like fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and speculative writing. You’ll learn from experienced writers through workshops and craft discussions, and you’ll have plenty of time to write and revise. Along the way, you’ll get more confident sharing your work through readings and presentations. The program also offers a stipend of $800, and selected pieces are published in a group anthology.
6. Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program – Writing Track
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA.
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee.
Application Deadline: April 9
Program Dates: Session 1: June 22 — July 3; Session 2: July 6–18; Session 3: July 20 — August 1
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
Harvard’s Pre-College Summer School Program gives you the chance to study college-level writing, speech, and literature over two weeks. You can explore creative writing, journalism, expository writing, or English through small classes and guided discussions. You’ll live on campus, join activities that give you a feel for college life, and connect with students from different backgrounds. The experience also helps you build confidence in your writing and communication.
7. Boston University’s Pre-College Academic Immersion (AIM) – Creative Writing Track
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost: Residential: $6,985; Commuter: $5,522.50. Please refer to the Tuition & Payment page for a detailed breakdown of the costs.
Application Deadline: Applications for the program will open on December 15.
Program Dates: Vary depending on the course and session selected. Introduction to Experimental Psychology & Business: June 29–July 18 (Residential) | June 30–July 18 (Commuter); Introduction to Medicine & Creative Writing: July 20–August 8 (Residential) | July 21–August 8 (Commuter)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors can apply.
Boston University’s Academic Immersion (AIM) program is a three-week summer experience where you can dive deep into a subject that interests you. You can choose from tracks like Creative Writing, Psychology, Business, or Medicine. If you go for Creative Writing, you’ll take part in daily workshops and classes to explore your voice and sharpen your craft.
Afternoons include collaborative projects and guided activities that bring what you’re learning into real-world focus. In the evenings, you’ll have time to work on assignments, hang out with other students, or join optional events like music practice, sports, and outings around the city.
8. WriCampia
Location: Camp Danbee, Peru, MA
Cost: $4200
Application Deadline: Registration is open until camps are full.
Program Dates: August 11–22
Eligibility: Open to rising 5th graders through rising 12th graders. Rising 12th graders have the option of being Counselors-In-Training.
Writopia Lab’s Summer Camp gives middle and high school students a chance to focus on creative writing in a relaxed, residential setting. You’ll take part in daily workshops that cover fiction, poetry, playwriting, and journalism, guided by instructors who help you grow your skills and try out new ideas. Each day includes writing time, group discussions, and feedback from peers.
9. Walden Woods Young Writers Workshop – Concord Academy
Location: Concord, MA
Cost: $1300
Application Deadline: Rolling admission until the program is full.
Program Dates: June 23–27
Eligibility: Rising 9th-grade 12th graduates are eligible to apply.
The Walden Woods Young Writers Workshops offer high school students a week of creative writing in Concord, Massachusetts. You’ll join small group workshops and explore genres like fantasy, science fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and screenwriting, with personalized feedback from experienced instructors. Outside of writing sessions, you’ll visit landmarks like Walden Pond and the Old North Bridge, using the setting to inspire your work. You’ll also take part in group projects such as editing a literary journal and creating a podcast.
10. Smith College Creative Writing Workshop
Location: Smith College, Northampton, MA
Cost: $4,864
Application Deadline: May 1
Program Dates: July 5–18
Eligibility: Open to students entering 9th–12th grade in the fall this year.
Smith College’s Creative Writing Workshop helps high school students build confidence in their writing through a supportive, flexible approach. You’ll experiment with new ideas, try out different writing forms, and learn to revise through multiple drafts. You’ll get comfortable giving and receiving feedback, break through writer’s block, and discover creative directions you might not have expected.
11. Young Eager Writers Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Role dependent
Program Dates: Role dependent
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18.
Young Eager Writers offers a virtual editorial internship for teens who want to learn about publishing and creative writing behind the scenes. As an intern, you’ll work on projects like editing manuscripts, writing blog posts, and helping with the publishing process for other teen authors.
You’ll get mentorship from professionals, including the founder of the organization, and collaborate with a team on editorial tasks. Over time, you may take on more responsibility and get a deeper look into how editing and publishing work in a creative, youth-centered space.
12. Pasquines Writing Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Various opportunities throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students
Pasquines offers a virtual writing internship for students who want to explore journalism and public policy, especially topics related to U.S. territories. You’ll research current issues, contribute your articles, and support more experienced writers as part of the editorial process. The internship is self-paced and unpaid, which makes it easier to balance with school or other responsibilities. You may also be eligible for academic credit based on your school’s guidelines.
13. Summer Mentorship Program: The Adroit Journal
Location: Virtual
Cost: $575/student, financial assistance is available
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: Mid-late June to early August. Check here to learn more.
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 9–12 can apply to the program (including graduating seniors and gap year students)
The Adroit Journal’s Summer Mentorship Program helps high school students and recent grads grow as creative writers with support from experienced mentors. You’ll focus on poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction and work one-on-one with a writer who guides you through the writing and revision process. You’ll share drafts regularly, get feedback from your mentor and other students in the program, and gain fresh perspectives to strengthen your work.
14. Project Write Now (PWN) Teen Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Check PWN’s website for updates
Program Dates: Varies; typically held in June
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18.
PWN’s virtual internship gives high school students a chance to build writing and leadership skills through hands-on experience. You can choose roles like editorial assistant or join the interview project. As an editorial assistant, you’ll take part in editorial meetings, create original content for blogs or websites, and support behind-the-scenes tasks. If you choose the interview project, you’ll learn how to conduct interviews, shape stories, and write pieces that may get published.
15. The Young Writers Initiative (TYWI)
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines as per role.
Program Dates: Volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–19.
The Young Writers Initiative (TYWI) is a nonprofit that helps young writers grow through free school-based chapters and volunteer-led programs. As an intern, you can take on roles like editor, beta reader, or workshop facilitator. You’ll build skills in editing, feedback, and leading writing sessions while working with a community of writers from across the U.S. and beyond.
One more option – the Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – University of Massachusetts, Amherst