If you’re a high school student based in or near Philadelphia who enjoys creative writing, a writing-focused summer program can offer an accessible opportunity to sharpen your skills in a structured and focused environment. Through writing workshops, group discussions, and guided seminars, you will engage in activities that build critical thinking, storytelling techniques, and analytical writing abilities.
The summer writing programs for high school students in Philadelphia are designed to deepen your understanding of different subjects while helping you develop the tools necessary for effective written expression. Whether your interests lie in creative writing, journalism, or literary analysis, these programs provide a strong foundation for academic and professional growth.
Here are 15 summer writing programs for high school students in Philadelphia.
15 Summer Writing Programs for High School Students in Philadelphia
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Eligibility: High school students with a high level of academic achievement
If you’re looking for a way to explore academic and research writing, consider this program! Students participating in the Lumiere Research Scholar Program have access to extensive one-on-one research opportunities in a wide range of subjects suitable for high school research. As part of this program, you will work with a Ph.D. mentor, who will offer guidance and support as you carry out an independent research project. Topics available include psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. For further details and to access the application, please click here!
2. Philadelphia Writing Project
Location: Virtual and at the University of Pennsylvania
Cost: Varies by program
Application Deadline: Various deadlines
Dates: Usually from June 23 – 27, but some programs extend into the fall
Eligibility: High school students; Specific requirements vary by program
Through hands-on, collaborative experiences, the Philadelphia Writing Project provides a range of creative and academic writing-focused programs at the University of Pennsylvania. At the Youth Writing Festival, you will attend writing workshops, interact with local authors and organizations, and explore opportunities for publication, including showcasing your work alongside other youth creators. The Kids Zine Workshop, co-led by Penn GSE researchers and NOVA Lit Mag, focuses on independent publishing; you will learn collage, typography, and layout design to create a zine on a topic of personal relevance, culminating in a public showcase. The Black Girls’ Literacies Project Summer Institute centers on self-expression and social analysis through storytelling and historical inquiry; you will explore the experiences of Black women and girls in Philadelphia to reflect on themes of identity and empowerment. The Philly Journalism Camp provides foundational training in news writing, reporting, and multimedia journalism; you will work with professionals to develop and publish stories that address current events and issues relevant to your community.
3. UPenn’s Pre-College Online Program: Introduction to Linguistics
Location: Online
Cost: $8,462; Scholarships available
Application Deadline: March 30 (session 1); April 27 (session 2)
Dates: May 27 – July 2 (session 1); July 3 – August 8 (session 2)
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors; Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5; International students can apply as well; More details here
The University of Pennsylvania’s Introduction to Linguistics course provides a foundational overview of human language systems and their social, cognitive, and biological dimensions. This course examines topics such as phonetics, morphology, syntax, language acquisition, and the neurological basis of language. You will study how languages evolve and diversify, analyze linguistic structures across global languages, and explore how language intersects with identity, gender, and social systems. Through guided lectures and applied assignments, you will gain experience interpreting linguistic data, understanding language variation, and drawing connections between language and society.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP) – Writing Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; Financial aid available
Application Date: Varies by cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year; The summer cohort runs for 10 weeks from June – September
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA above 3.67/4.0 (mostly 10th-11th graders); Few tracks have formal prerequisites—details are available here
Horizon offers research programs for high school students across a variety of subject areas, including literature, political theory, and more. It is one of the few programs where you will get to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research, while also developing college-level writing skills. After you select a specific subject track, you will be paired with a professor or PhD scholar, who will serve as a mentor throughout the research process. During the program, you will work on creating a 20-page research paper, which may be submitted to reputable journals for publication as a high school student. The program also offers a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback on your project.
5. UPenn’s Pre-College Online Program: World Literature
Location: Online
Cost: $8,462; Scholarships available
Application Deadline: April 27 (session 2)
Dates: July 3 – August 8 (session 2)
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors; Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5; International students can apply as well; More details here
The World Literature course, offered by the University of Pennsylvania through its pre-college summer program, introduces literary and cinematic works from a global perspective to develop critical thinking, analytical writing, and cross-cultural interpretation skills. You will examine texts that challenge conventional boundaries while exploring themes of identity, translation, and political imagination. Through close reading, class discussions, and structured writing assignments, you will learn how to interpret literary form, navigate diverse worldviews, and articulate responses to complex global narratives.
6. UPenn’s Writing for Researchers Online Seminar
Location: Online
Cost: $2,949; Scholarships available
Application Deadline: March 30
Dates: June 9 – 27
Eligibility: 9th to 11th-graders (international students included); Minimum GPA of 3.5; More details here
The Writing for Researchers Online Seminar is a three-week virtual program designed to introduce high school students to research writing across academic disciplines. You will learn how researchers in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities frame research questions, assess existing scholarship, and construct persuasive arguments tailored to scholarly audiences. The course emphasizes key skills, including evaluating the significance of research, structuring arguments, using evidence effectively, and adapting academic writing styles across fields. Through close analysis of published work, writing exercises, and interdisciplinary discussion, you will gain hands-on experience in drafting original research proposals and articulating ideas with clarity and academic precision.
7. Penn Summer Prep Program: Writer’s Launchpad
Location: Penn Arts and Sciences High School Programs
Cost: $5,949; Public or charter high school students in Philadelphia can attend the program for free with a scholarship
Application Deadline: April 27
Dates: July 5 – 19
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9-11 (international students included); Minimum GPA of 3.5; More details here
The Writer’s Launchpad program, offered by the University of Pennsylvania, is designed to build foundational skills in creative writing through exploration of multiple literary forms and media. You will learn to craft personal essays, poems, scripts, and short fiction while studying diverse storytelling techniques across written, visual, and audio formats. The course emphasizes developing a distinct narrative voice, constructing compelling characters, and experimenting with style and genre. Through collaborative critique sessions and discussions of major literary works, you will refine your analytical and feedback skills in a supportive workshop environment. The program also includes opportunities to present original writing and engage with experienced writers.
8. Pre-College Workshops – Temple University
Location: Temple University, Philadelphia
Cost: $1,300 per session with financial aid available
Application Deadline: February 15 (priority); March 15 (regular); April 14 (final)
Dates:
- July 7 – 18
- July 21 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12; Minimum GPA of 3.0
The Creative Writing workshop at Temple University’s Pre-College Program offers a rigorous introduction to the craft of writing through a college-level format. You will read and analyze contemporary literature, draft original works in poetry and fiction, and engage in peer critique to refine both style and substance. The program emphasizes interactive, project-based learning and includes daily sessions focused on college readiness and professional development. The program also provides opportunities to present work, receive detailed feedback, and build confidence in sharing ideas with a diverse community of emerging writers.
9. Yale Young Writers’ Workshop
Location: Online
Cost: $1,320
Application Deadline: January 15 – April 1; Rolling
Dates: June 21 – June 27
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 16-18; Rising high school seniors
The Yale Young Writers’ Workshop (YYWW), offered by Yale University, is an intensive summer writing program that provides high school students with the opportunity to strengthen their craft through focused workshops in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. You will learn to refine your narrative voice, experiment with literary forms, and deepen your understanding of structure, tone, and audience through genre-specific sessions. Taught by published authors and writing professionals, the program emphasizes generative writing, peer critique, and individualized feedback. You will engage in hands-on exercises, explore creative storytelling techniques, and analyze texts through the lens of craft.
10. Juniper Institute for Young Writers – UMass Amherst
Location: Online
Cost: $1,300; Scholarships available
Application Deadline: April 7
Dates: July 7 – 11
Eligibility: Rising sophomores through graduating seniors
At Juniper, you’ll join a community of young writers for a week of focused creative writing workshops, seminars, and labs led by MFA students and published authors. Whether attending in person at UMass Amherst or joining the online version (JYWO), you’ll work in small groups to draft new material, exchange feedback, and experiment with form and voice. Sessions emphasize collaboration and close mentorship, helping you refine your craft across poetry, fiction, and hybrid genres. The program also includes guest readings and community-building events with writers in residence.
11. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadlines: Usually fall in September – October for the winter session; March – April for the summer session
Program Dates: Winter: mid-January – early March; Summer: late June – early August
Eligibility: High school students
This six-week online program gives you the chance to sharpen your creative writing through structured, asynchronous coursework. You’ll take part in weekly exercises, read selected texts, give and receive peer feedback, and join ongoing discussion threads. The courses emphasize both independent exploration and community engagement as you expand your portfolio and experiment with voice, form, and genre. While you can set your own schedule, you’re expected to meet weekly deadlines and actively participate in the online classroom.
12. My Philosophy on Teaching Writing – Brandon Sanderson, Brigham Young University, and YouTube
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Flexible
Program Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: Open to all
Brandon Sanderson’s Creative Writing Lectures offer a free and beginner-friendly introduction to storytelling, taught by a bestselling fantasy author. Filmed during his classes at Brigham Young University and available on YouTube, the series covers foundational elements like plot structure, character arcs, world-building, and genre conventions. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how publishing works and what it takes to write compelling short fiction. The course is self-paced, so you can move through it on your own schedule, but it emphasizes the importance of consistent writing practice. Ideal if you’re just starting out and want practical advice from a working author.
13. Summer Writing Camp – Morehouse College
Location: Online
Cost: $300
Application Deadline: May 16
Dates: June 9 – 20
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 12-18 (including recent high school graduates)
The Morehouse Summer Online Writing Camp is a two-week intensive program designed to develop writing and critical thinking skills through daily synchronous sessions and individualized instruction. You will explore a range of writing genres and forms, engage in freewriting and revision exercises, and examine assigned readings through structured discussions. Each day includes interactive writing workshops, peer review sessions, and collaborative dialogue focused on identifying effective writing strategies and areas for improvement. Experienced educators affiliated with Morehouse’s Writing Center guide small groups and provide one-on-one conferences to support progress and personal goals.
14. Summer Mentorship Program – The Adroit Journal
Location: Virtual
Cost: $450; Financial assistance is available
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: June 26 – July 28
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 9-12 (including graduating seniors and gap year students)
The Adroit Journal’s Summer Mentorship Program offers you the unique opportunity to refine your creative writing skills through one-on-one mentorship with established writers. Focused on poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction/memoir, the program emphasizes the art of drafting, redrafting, and editing in a personalized, flexible format. You will share your work weekly or biweekly with mentors and peers, gaining invaluable feedback and insight into the creative process. This online program fosters individual growth and community connection.
15. Sarah Lawrence Writers’ Week
Location: Online
Cost: $1,095
Application Deadline: July 7
Dates: July 7 – 11
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
Sarah Lawrence Writers’ Week is designed for high school students who want to deepen their creative writing practice in a collaborative, low-pressure setting. You’ll work in small groups of no more than 18 students, guided by two faculty members, allowing for detailed feedback and discussion. The week centers around interactive workshops where you’ll draft, revise, and share your writing with both peers and mentors. The program emphasizes exploration over competition, creating space to experiment with voice, style, and form. At the end of the week, you’ll take part in a final reading to share your work alongside fellow students and instructors.
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