Writing programs for high school students offer an opportunity to develop essential skills, build confidence, and explore creative or academic writing. These programs, hosted by reputable institutions and literary organizations, provide you with mentorship, hands-on workshops, and access to professional resources—all without financial barriers!
Whether you are interested in writing short stories, exploring journalism, or improving academic research writing, these programs encourage critical thinking, creativity, and communication. Beyond improving technical writing abilities, you gain exposure to specialized fields, work on collaborative projects, and often produce pieces suitable for publication. With personalized feedback and guidance, these writing programs not only develop your writing skills but also empower you to articulate your ideas with clarity and impact.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP): Literature Track
The Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP): Literature Track offers you an opportunity to conduct university-level research under the mentorship of professors or doctoral researchers from leading global institutions. This trimester-long, fully online program is designed to equip you with advanced research, analysis, and academic writing skills in the field of literature.
You select a specific topic within the literature, engage in extensive reading and critical analysis, and develop an original research proposal. Over the course of the program, you produce a 20–25 page research paper showcasing your findings and insights. The curriculum emphasizes close reading, argumentation, and effective communication, helping you to write a polished academic document. You also have the opportunity to receive personalized feedback, mentorship letters of recommendation, and guidance for publishing your work in academic journals. This program helps you develop essential skills in academic research, literary analysis, and scholarly writing, preparing you for future academic tasks in the humanities.
Eligibility: Open to high school students (grades 10–12) with a GPA of 3.67 or higher.
Program Dates: Spring: March 3; Summer: June 16! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Location: Online
Cost: $5950 onwards; financial aid options available
Application Deadlines: Spring: February 16; Summer: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)!
2. Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program: Writing Track
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program: Writing Track is a 12-week online research initiative designed for high school students interested in writing and eager to conduct independent research under the guidance of expert mentors. The program focuses on developing your critical thinking, academic writing, and research skills.
You are paired one-on-one with PhD-level mentors to explore an advanced topic in writing and produce an original 15-page research paper. The program is divided into key phases, including topic selection, in-depth research, drafting, and final revisions. Alongside your mentors, you also attend workshops focused on refining your research and writing techniques. The program culminates in a presentation at the Lumiere Research Symposium, providing you with an opportunity to showcase your findings. This program equips you with essential skills in academic research, structured argumentation, and advanced writing, preparing you for academic and professional growth.
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Program Dates: Winter Cohort II: January 20
Location: Online
Cost: $2,990 onwards; financial aid is available for eligible students
Application Deadline: December 29
3. Good with Words: Writing and Editing Specialization by University of Michigan on Coursera
The Good with Words: Writing and Editing Specialization, offered by the University of Michigan through Coursera, is designed to improve your writing and editing abilities through practical, skill-based learning. The program focuses on communication, creativity, and persuasion, helping you improve your writing process and produce coherent content.
This self-paced program consists of four comprehensive courses:
- Word Choice and Word Order: Focus on how strategic word selection and syntax can influence decision-making, originality, and clarity in writing.
- Structure and Organization: Learn to generate compelling content by organizing ideas effectively, and using structure to enhance readability and impact.
- Drafting: Develop strategies to overcome perfectionism, conduct post-mortems on your writing projects, and refine your drafts for greater coherence and flow.
- Revising: Master the revision process using the E-D-I-T framework and techniques for presenting data and ideas clearly and professionally.
You engage with video lectures, readings, and assignments that build skills progressively. Upon completing this program, you will develop critical abilities in writing, editing, and time management, applicable in academic, professional, and personal contexts.
Eligibility: Open to high school students.
Program Dates: Self-paced; enrollment is open year-round.
Location: Online via Coursera.
Cost: Free access to course materials; optional certificates are available for a fee.
Application Deadline: None; open enrollment.
4. Academic English: Writing Specialization by University of California, Irvine on Coursera
The Academic English: Writing Specialization, offered by the University of California, Irvine through Coursera, is structured to improve your academic writing skills for college-level coursework and research. This program helps you develop the skills needed to craft essays, conduct research, and communicate ideas effectively in an academic setting.
The program consists of five courses. In Grammar and Punctuation, students review essential grammar rules and punctuation usage to improve sentence structure and clarity. Getting Started with Essay Writing teaches the fundamentals of crafting thesis statements and well-structured essays, including compare/contrast, cause/effect, and argument essays. In Advanced Writing, you learn to plan and compose argument essays, understand plagiarism and its prevention, and effectively integrate sources. Introduction to Research for Essay Writing focuses on selecting topics, finding and organizing sources, and maintaining an academic tone for research papers. Finally, in Project: Writing a Research Paper, you apply your skills to conduct research and write an academic research paper.
Through video lectures, readings, and practical assignments, you develop key critical skills in essay writing, academic research, and effective communication, all at your own pace!
Eligibility: Open to high school students
Program Dates: Self-paced; enrollment is open year-round.
Location: Online via Coursera.
Cost: Free access to course materials; optional certificates are available for a fee.
Application Deadline: None; open enrollment.
5. Creative Writing Specialization by Wesleyan University on Coursera
The Creative Writing Specialization, offered by Wesleyan University through Coursera, helps you develop your writing across three major genres: short story, narrative essay, and memoir. The program helps you learn storytelling methods, character development strategies, and techniques to develop your unique writing style.
The specialization includes five courses. The Craft of Plot teaches the fundamentals of narrative structure, pacing, and creating engaging story arcs. The Craft of Character explores techniques to create dynamic, memorable characters with depth and complexity. In The Craft of Setting and Description, you learn to vividly depict the physical world, enhancing reader immersion. The Craft of Style focuses on refining personal writing voices through the use of imagery, metaphor, and word choice. The program culminates in a Capstone project, Your Story, where you draft, revise, and complete an original piece in your chosen genre.
Through video lectures, peer reviews, and practical exercises, you enhance your creative expression, develop storytelling skills, and improve your ability to communicate ideas effectively.
Eligibility: Open to high school students.
Program Dates: Self-paced; enrollment is open year-round.
Location: Online via Coursera.
Cost: Free access to course materials; optional certificates are available for a fee.
Application Deadline: None; open enrollment.
6. Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking by Harvard University on EdX
The Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking course, offered by Harvard University through edX, provides an introduction to persuasive communication. This course combines theoretical insights and practical exercises to help you create persuasive arguments and deliver coherent messages in writing and speech.
Participants analyze iconic speeches by influential figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, Margaret Chase Smith, and Ronald Reagan to understand the strategies used to persuade audiences. The course covers key skills such as constructing and defending arguments, employing rhetorical devices, identifying logical fallacies, and evaluating the strength of an argument. You will also explore how to adapt rhetorical techniques to different audiences and contexts. This course focuses on the importance of civil discourse and helps you to confidently articulate your viewpoints in academic, professional, and public settings.
Eligibility: Open to high school students.
Program Dates: Self-paced; enrollment is open year-round.
Location: Online via edX.
Cost: Free access to course materials; optional verified certificates available for a fee.
Application Deadline: None; open enrollment.
7. Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program
The Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program is an online creative writing opportunity that pairs you with experienced writers to improve your skills in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction/memoir. The program emphasizes personalized mentorship through flexible and informal correspondence, helping you enhance your writing and revision techniques.
You engage in a structured schedule where you present your work weekly or biweekly depending on whether you are pursuing poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction/memoir. Mentors provide tailored feedback, focusing on the processes of drafting, revising, and editing. You also benefit from peer discussions and get the opportunity to build a portfolio of written work. The program is designed to encourage creativity and collaboration, preparing you for future academic and professional writing endeavors!
Eligibility: Open to high school students, including graduating seniors and gap year students
Program Dates: June 24 – July 29 (tentative; based on previous cohorts).
Location: Online.
Cost: $450; full financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: March 31 (tentative; based on previous cohort’s schedule)
8. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) is a free, year-long college preparation program for high school students with a strong interest in journalism. The program aims to diversify journalism and related fields by equipping you with hands-on experience, critical thinking skills, and college application support.
The program begins in mid-June with virtual workshops, readings, and writing assignments. You work closely with college counselors to refine your writing skills and develop your college applications. The program culminates in early August with a 10-day residential experience at Princeton University, where you attend workshops led by professional journalists, tour news organizations, and produce The Princeton Summer Journal. After the summer component, you continue to receive personalized college admissions guidance. The program improves your journalistic abilities and enhances your understanding of social and political issues.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors in the U.S. with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5, demonstrated interest in journalism, and limited household income.
Program Dates: Starts mid-June and culminates in early August.
Location: Online and on-campus at Princeton University.
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 24.
9. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio 2-Week Summer Residential Program
The Iowa Young Writers’ Studio 2-Week Summer Residential Program offers you a creative writing experience on the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City. This program provides you with an opportunity to improve your storytelling, poetry, and dramatic writing skills through intensive workshops and one-on-one mentorship.
You select a core course in fiction writing, poetry writing, creative writing (a mix of fiction, poetry, and personal essays), TV writing, or playwriting. Under the guidance of instructors, including graduates of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, you engage in collaborative writing exercises, share your work in peer review sessions, and receive personalized feedback on your projects. The program also includes author readings, discussions on craft, collaborative projects, and social events that encourage a dynamic and supportive writing environment. This program can equip you with refined writing techniques, stronger editing skills, and a better understanding of creative storytelling.
Eligibility: Open to high school students currently in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.
Program Dates:
- Session 1: June 15 – June 28
- Session 2: July 13 – July 26
Location: University of Iowa campus, Iowa City, Iowa.
Cost: $2,500 per session, covering room, board, and course instruction. Full financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Specific deadlines vary; refer to the program website for updates.
10. Future Dramatic Writers Workshop at NYU
The Future Dramatic Writers Workshop at NYU Tisch School of the Arts is a free program designed for high school students passionate about writing for theater, film, and television. The program offers you the opportunity to explore the fundamentals of dramatic writing and gain insight into the creative and professional aspects of the field.
The program emphasizes practical skills, including narrative structure, dialogue creation, and character development, culminating in a live presentation of your work. You receive guidance from experienced mentors and gain experience in the creative writing process, and an understanding of professional standards in dramatic writing.
Eligibility: Open to high school students.
Program Dates: Runs weekly on Saturdays from February 1, through May 10.
Location: NYU Tisch School of the Arts, New York City.
Cost: Free; no tuition or fees required.
Application Deadline: Applications are considered on a space-available basis; check the program website for specific deadlines.
