If you’re a high school student interested in polishing your storytelling and writing skills, a summer writing program is a good place to start. Numerous summer writing programs for high school students across the U.S. focus on various types of writing, including creative writing, screenwriting, journalism, academic writing, editing, and more. These programs usually include workshops, mentorship, and chances to build your writing skills and maybe even publish your work.
Joining summer writing programs for high school students can help you strengthen your writing style, stay organized, become a better reader, and communicate more clearly. Creative writing also teaches storytelling skills that are valuable in various fields, from journalism to business. Working with experienced writers can help you improve your technique and feel more confident sharing your work. Plus, you’ll have the chance to add original writing to your portfolio, which can support your college applications.
Here are 15 summer writing programs for high school students worth exploring!
15 Summer Writing Programs for High School Students
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; Financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Around 10-25%
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year; The summer cohort runs from June to August
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or more
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to delve into a topic of interest by working on an independent research project under the guidance of a PhD mentor. You can choose from different subjects in STEM, humanities, or social sciences. The program includes research method workshops and support for writing a full-length research paper, helping you strengthen your academic writing. It’s not run by a university, but completing it may make you eligible for UCSD credit. Subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Physics, Math, History, Classics, Computer Science, Engineering, Linguistics, and more. If you don’t see a topic that fits your interests, you can customize one!
2. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 26-30%
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.67 or higher; Most applicants are in 10th or 11th grade; Some tracks may have specific prerequisites
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs in subjects like psychology, chemistry, physics, neuroscience, machine learning, medicine, and more. There are over 600 topics to choose from, allowing you to choose either qualitative or quantitative research methods. Although it’s not tied to a specific university, the program lets you pick your own research topic and method, and work one-on-one with a mentor, usually a professor or PhD student from a top school. You’ll write a 20-page research paper, which you can submit to academic journals. The program also helps you strengthen your academic writing, and you’ll get ongoing feedback, support, and a recommendation letter that can help with college applications or future work. You can apply here!
3. Teen Summer Writing Fellowship: GrubStreet
Location: GrubStreet Center for Creative Writing in the Seaport, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $800 stipend offered
Cohort Size: 20 students
Dates: July 21 – August 8; Optional Anthology Week: August 11 – 15; Optional All-YAWP Anthology Week: August 18 – 22
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12 in fall who live in Boston or Greater Boston; Preference goes to Boston residents, but students from Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Plymouth counties are also considered
The Teen Summer Writing Fellowship is a three-week creative writing program where you’ll take classes, join workshops, and attend readings to build new work and learn about writing and publishing. You’ll learn from local writers, explore fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting, and be encouraged to try out different genres The program includes guest author visits, weekly open mics, a college and career writing day, one-on-one time with instructors, daily group writing sessions, and prep for the final showcase. You can also stay for an optional fourth and/or fifth week to help edit the YAWP Anthology, which features writing from all teens in GrubStreet’s summer programs.
4. University of Alabama’s Multicultural Journalism Workshop
Location: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 10-15 students
Dates: June 8 – June 14
Application Deadline: January 1 – April 18
Eligibility: Students entering 9th grade through their first year of college from any background or location
University of Alabama’s Multicultural Journalism Workshop is a six-day program that allows you to develop your journalism skills while learning to report on multicultural communities. You’ll work with faculty and professional journalists who act as mentors, often staying in touch beyond the program. You’ll create stories, videos, social media posts, photos, and feature packages, all of which are published in the “MJW Journal.” Along the way, you’ll also explore media ethics, law, history, and economics. Field trips to historical sites in Tuscaloosa and the Black Belt region, along with talks from working journalists, will help you produce real content on deadline.
5. USC Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement
Location: USC Annenberg, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 26 students
Dates: June 16 – July 3
Application Deadline: March 3 – April 14
Eligibility: Los Angeles County high school students who live in neighborhoods near USC’s University Park and Health Sciences campuses
High school students can explore college-level media and journalism through USC’s Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement. The program examines how media influences civic leadership and helps you develop skills in writing, debate, multimedia production, interviewing, public speaking, critical thinking, and ethnography. In addition to daily classes, you’ll get guidance on writing college essays and learn more about USC Annenberg’s undergraduate programs and careers in media. You’ll also connect with USC scholars and attend sessions with a journalism lecturer.
6. Yale Young Writers’ Workshop
Location: Virtual or in person at Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: $3,275 (Residential) | $2,905 (Commuter) | $1,320 (Online)
Cohort Size: 12 students per workshop
Dates: June 21 – June 27 (on campus) | June 21 – June 26 (online)
Application Deadline: January 15 – April 1; Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors between the ages of 16-18
The Yale Young Writers’ Workshop (YYWW) is a writing program where you can choose to focus on fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Before the workshop begins, you’ll read one assigned book to help build shared knowledge and spark discussion during the week. You’ll work on new pieces, share your writing with the group for feedback, and revise your work. Faculty members, who are experienced teachers and published writers, will guide you through exercises and discussions to help you sharpen your writing skills. The program provides an opportunity for experimentation, taking creative risks, and growth as a writer.
7. Young Writers Workshop at Bard College
Location: Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Barrington, MA
Cost: $3,600; Financial assistance is available
Cohort Size: 12 students per workshop
Dates: July 6 – July 26
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions begin on January 15
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 9-11
Simon’s Rock hosts a creative writing program for high school students called Young Writers Workshop. You’ll explore writing across genres like fiction, memoir, poetry, essays, and plays as well as receive feedback from peers and your workshop leader as you build a portfolio of in-progress work. Through peer responses and revision, you’ll turn early drafts into more polished pieces. You’ll also read and discuss a variety of texts, mainly contemporary poems, stories, and essays, with a focus on exploring ideas rather than finding the “right” answer.
8. Sewanee Young Writers’ Conference at The University of the South
Location: University of the South, Sewanee, TN
Cost: $2,600; Limited financial aid is available
Cohort Size: 85 students
Dates: June 29 – July 12
Application Deadline: December – March 3
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 9-11
The Sewanee Young Writers’ Conference (SYWC) is a two-week summer program for high school students who are serious about creative writing. You’ll spend your time reading, writing, and connecting with other young writers. In these sessions, you’ll share your work, give and receive feedback, write from prompts, and discuss assigned readings. You’ll also meet one-on-one with instructors and leave with a solid portfolio of new writing. Afternoons include Q&As with guest authors, optional craft classes, a tour of the Sewanee Review, and free time to write, read, or relax.
9. Georgetown University’s Creative Writing Academy
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: $3,525 (Residential) | $2,730 (Commuter)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 20 – July 26
Application Deadline: January 31 (early deadline) | April 15 (final deadline)
Eligibility: Current 8th-12th graders during the academic year before the program who have a minimum 2.0 GPA
Georgetown University’s Creative Writing Academy is a week-long program for high school students to build their skills in poetry, fiction, and personal prose. Through workshops, lectures, peer feedback, and field trips, you’ll learn how to turn your ideas into polished creative work. Taught by graduate instructors and Georgetown faculty, the program covers writing techniques, literary forms, and themes like social and environmental issues. You’ll explore elements like story structure, character development, and dialogue, while also learning about writing careers, publishing, and writing programs in college. Activities include visits to D.C. landmarks, a writing session at the National Gallery of Art, and an open mic night at Busboys and Poets.
10. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio Summer Residential Program
Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Cost: $2,500 + $10 reading fee; Need-based financial aid is available
Cohort Size: Approximately 80 students
Dates: June 15 – June 28 | July 13 – July 26
Application Deadline: January 20 – February 2
Eligibility: Students who are currently in grades 10-12
Students enrolled in the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio Summer Residential Program will engage in a two-week creative writing experience. You’ll focus on one core course the entire session, choosing from fiction, poetry, creative writing (a mix of fiction, poetry, and personal essays), playwriting, or TV writing. You’ll share your work with peers and instructors, receive helpful feedback, and participate in writing exercises. Outside of class, the program features readings by published authors, craft workshops, and discussions on topics such as revision and literary translation. You’ll also collaborate on group projects and enjoy open mics, talent shows, and social events.
11. Sarah Lawrence College’s Writers Week
Location: Virtual or in person at Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY
Cost: $1,095 (virtual session) | $1,750 (in-person sessions); Limited scholarships are available for Yonkers Public School students
Cohort Size: 18 students per class
Dates:
- Virtual session: July 7 – July 11
- In-person sessions: July 21 – July 25 | August 4 – August 8
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9-12 in the fall who will be at least 14 years old when the program begins
The Writers Week program at Sarah Lawrence College combines creative writing with performing arts in an immersive, hands-on setting. Throughout the week, prose writers, poets, and performance artists will conduct workshops on writing and theater.. The small group format provides an opportunity for you to connect closely with workshop leaders through one-on-one interactions. Throughout the week, you’ll attend faculty and student readings and wrap up the program with a celebration of student work. Classes are capped at 18 students, with two teaching artists per group.
12. UMass Juniper Institute for Young Writers
Location: University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Cost: $5,100 (Residential) | $2,200 (Commuter)
Cohort Size: Around 50 students
Dates: July 13 – July 26 | July 27 – August 9
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Juniper Institute for Young Writers (JIYW) is a two-week creative writing program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for high school students who are serious about writing. You’ll take part in Writing Labs, craft sessions, participant readings, Writer’s Life talks, and group write-alongs. There are also field trips to local literary and historical sites. Week One will help you build a steady writing routine, while Week Two, called “Intensive Week,” focuses on a specific writing project. You’ll meet one-on-one with your mentor to shape your project and join small peer groups to check in daily and work through challenges together. By the end of the program, you’ll have a solid draft and guidance on what to do next, whether that’s revising, publishing, or submitting your work.
13. Reynolds Young Writers Workshop
Location: Denison University, Granville, OH
Cost: $1,500; Need-based financial aid is available
Cohort Size: 48 students
Dates: June 14 – June 21
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore or junior year by June of the program year
During the Reynolds Young Writers Workshop, you’ll take part in small writing workshops, meet one-on-one with Denison University’s writing faculty and guest authors, and join a supportive community of writers from around the world. You’ll learn from published authors who are passionate about teaching and storytelling. Each day includes workshops and sessions with guest writers, writing time, and individual meetings. On the final night, you’ll share your own writing in a group reading.
14. Kenyon Review Summer Residential Young Writers Workshops
Location: Kenyon College, Gambier, OH
Cost: $2,575; Need-based financial aid is available
Cohort Size: 12-14 students per workshop
Dates: June 22 – July 5 | July 13 – July 26
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students who will be 16-18 years old at the time of the program
The Kenyon Review Young Writers Summer Residential Workshop is a two-week program designed for high school students who want to develop their creative and critical writing skills. In daily workshops, you’ll explore ideas and write original short stories, poems, and essays. You’ll also discuss writing and revising with instructors and peers to help strengthen your voice and skills. You can also join a three-part genre session to dive deeper into a specific craft element or writing style. These mini-workshops change with each session, giving you the chance to work with different instructors and students.
15. BYU Young Authors Academy
Location: Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Cost: Tuition is $499, with optional food and housing available for $265
Acceptance Rate: Low selectivity
Dates: July 7 – July 12
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 14-18
The BYU Young Authors Academy is a hands-on writing program where you’ll learn from local and nationally known authors. You’ll get feedback from peers and BYU English faculty, stay on campus, take small-group writing classes, and connect with other young writers who love YA literature. You’ll also get to meet and have your books signed by published authors and illustrators. When you register, you’ll choose two electives. You’ll build your writing skills, collaborate with other storytellers, and start your journey toward becoming a published author. Past guest authors have included Nikki Grimes, Jasmine Warga, Ellen Oh, and more.
Image source – Brigham Young University, Provo, UT