If you’re a high school student planning your college applications, you know the importance of strong writing skills. Or, if you’re considering a career that’s writing-heavy, which academia and research can be, writing skills will be useful. In fact, writing skills are useful in most professions – from journalism to law, or marketing to any kind of scientific research.  

Summer writing programs offer an opportunity to build and hone your writing skills, explore different genres, and gain valuable experience that can significantly enhance your college applications. Participating in these programs will give you the chance to develop your craft under the guidance of experienced instructors, which in turn can demonstrate your commitment and passion for writing. These programs can also help you build a strong and well-grounded portfolio that you can use to showcase your experience.

We’ve curated a list of 10 of the best summer writing programs providing for high school students that you can consider. 

1. Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops 

Location: Kenyon College, Gambier, OH. Both residential and online options are available.

Cost: Residential: $2,575 | Online: $995. Need-based financial aid is available.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.

Program Dates: 

• Online: June 16-21, 2024.

• Residential: 

• Session One: June 23 - July 6, 2024.

• Session Two: July 14 - 27, 2024.

Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.

At Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops, high school students come together to expand their skills, work on developing new skills, and push their boundaries alongside their peers. The week-long summer online workshops feature daily Zoom sessions where students explore ideas, produce new work, and discuss writing techniques with instructors and peers. Participants can choose between afternoon or evening sessions, both covering a multi-genre curriculum of short stories, poems, and essays. The workshops also include individual writing time and individual conferences with instructors. 

The residential workshop is a two-week intensive program with generative writing exercises and discussions in various genres. The aim of these workshops is to foster personal growth in writing, encourage productive creativity, and deepen the students' understanding of the craft.

2. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio - Summer Residential Program

Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA.

Cost: 

• In-person: $2500. 

• Online: $575.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.

Program Dates: 

• Session 1: June 16 - 29, 2024.

• Session 2: July 14 - 27, 2024.

Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.

The Summer Residential Program offers high school students an opportunity to immerse themselves in writing through core courses taught by Iowa Writers' Workshop graduates. Students can choose between fiction writing, poetry writing, creative writing, TV writing, and playwriting. 

During the program, you will engage in writing exercises, share your work, and receive constructive feedback. The program includes author readings, workshops on writing processes, discussions on topics such as literary translation and mental health, and collaborative projects. Social activities like open mics and talent shows will foster connections among participants.The in-person program takes place at the University of Iowa, while the online version features daily live Zoom classes at various times. 

3. Yale Young Writers’ Workshop

Location: Online.
Cost: $900.
Application deadline: April 1, 2024.
Program dates: July 7-12, 2024.
Eligibility: Students who are between 16-18 years old and are rising high school juniors or seniors can apply.

The Yale Young Writers’ Workshop offers students an opportunity to deep dive into one of the following genres — fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or graphic storytelling. With only 12 students per workshop, the highly selective, one-week program ensures each one has an immersive experience while developing their craft, experimenting with their work, and finding their own voice.

The workshop is conducted by faculty who are gifted teachers and published writers. Writers will help you hone your skills to write your next story, essay, or poem. Students will also attend talks on the craft of writing, open mics, faculty and visiting author readings, student readings, and learn about careers in writing.

4. Interlochen Center for the Arts - Creative Writing Summer Program

Location: Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen, MI.

Cost: $6,765.

Application Deadline: Applications close in January.

Program Dates: 

• Session 1: June 23 - July 13, 2024.

• Session 2: July 14 - August 4, 2024.

Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 can apply.  

The Interlochen Center for the Arts offers a Creative Writing Summer Program is designed for high school students to refine their writing skills. This three-week intensive program immerses students in various genres. Participants can choose from tracks like Comics and Graphic Narratives, Creative Writing, Novel Writing, or Performance Poetry, expanding their creative horizons. The program includes genre-specific workshops in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and playwriting. The program also features a reading showcase and interactions with guest artists and speakers, providing valuable exposure to diverse perspectives and professional insights.

5. Sarah Lawrence College - Writers Week for Teens

Location: Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY.

Cost: 

• In-person: $1,550. 

• Virtual: $1,025.

Application Deadline: Applications are closed for 2024.

Program Dates: 

• In-person: August 5 - 9, 2024. 

• Virtual: July 15 - 19, 2024.

Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12, who are 14 or older at the start of the program, can apply.

During this week-long immersive experience, students engage daily in writing and theater workshops led by a diverse group of prose writers, poets, and performance artists. The program incorporates mini-workshops taught by faculty, graduate students, and guest artists. Emphasizing Sarah Lawrence College’s tradition of personalized instruction, students benefit from small group meetings with workshop leaders. Each class is capped at 18 students and supported by two teaching artists per workshop, ensuring individual attention. The program culminates in a celebration of the students' work on the final day. 

6. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Writing and Culture Program

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cost: Residential: $8,995 | Commuter: $6,800. Need-based scholarships are offered.

Application Deadline: March.

Program Dates: June 22, 2024 - July 10, 2024.

Eligibility: High school students who are sophomores and juniors at the time of application can apply.

The Pre-College Writing and Culture program offers high school students an immersive experience in writing, film, and cultural studies. Conducted on Carnegie Mellon University campus and across Pittsburgh, the program encourages exploration of storytelling methods through digital poetics, short-form writing, and film production. It fosters critical thinking, creative expression, and effective writing skills applicable to college and future careers.Guided by distinguished faculty from the Department of English, students delve into cultural and societal issues through both written and visual media. They receive personalized feedback and mentorship to develop their own body of work. The program includes weekday classes and enrichment activities, with occasional special events on weekends, offering a comprehensive and supportive learning environment.

7. Alpha - The Young Writers Workshop 

Location: University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg, PA.

Cost: $1,500. Need-based scholarships are available.

Application Deadline: March 10, 2024.

Program Dates: July 24, 2024 - August 4, 2024.

Eligibility: Students aged 14-19 can apply.

This 12-day writing workshop hosts 20 students, 10 staff members, and 4 guest authors, such as Vita Ayala, Mark Oshiro, Kameron Hurley, and Meg Elison. Each guest author spends two days at the workshop, delivering lectures, engaging with students, and leading writing exercises. Students write an original short story, of 2000 words or more, in science fiction, fantasy, or horror during the workshop. They learn the entire writing process, from generating ideas and drafting to critiquing, revising, and preparing submissions for professional markets. The workshop provides a comprehensive experience aimed at developing students' skills and fostering a career in writing.

8. Loyola Marymount University (LMU) - Beginning Screenwriting Program

Location: Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA.

Cost: $5,800 + $65 application fee.

Application Deadline: March 15 , 2024.

Program Dates: 

• Session 1: June 23, 2024 - July 6, 2024. 

• Session 2: July 14 - 27, 2024.

Eligibility: First session is for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, while the second is for juniors and seniors only. 

Ranked among the top 10 film schools in the U.S. by The Hollywood Reporter, the LMU School of Film and Television offers a dynamic summer program for aspiring screenwriters. Guided by professional screenwriters who are full-time faculty, students enhance their writing skills. The curriculum covers essential elements of screenwriting, including structure, character development, dialogue, descriptive action, formatting, and genre, within a supportive workshop setting. In addition to hands-on writing practice, students engage in analytical viewings of classic and contemporary films to explore the art, craft, and business of screenwriting. The program emphasizes collaboration, constructive feedback, and a passion for learning, culminating in the creation of a short script by the end of the session. 

9. Georgetown University - Creative Writing Academy

Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

Cost: $3,389.

Application Deadline: May 15, 2024. Summer 2025 applications open in fall. 

Program Dates: July 14 - 20, 2024.

Eligibility: All high school students can apply. 

This week-long program, featuring dynamic lectures, hands-on workshops, and constructive peer feedback, offers students the chance to transform their creative ideas into polished written works. Students engage in daily sessions led by graduate instructors, focusing on poetry, storytelling, and essay writing while experimenting with innovative forms. The program also explores the publishing industry, covering market opportunities, writing careers, funding, and educational paths.Participants enhance their craft through excursions to Washington, D.C. landmarks like the  National Gallery of Art and Busboys and Poets. Additional activities include readings by published authors, sessions with Georgetown's expert faculty, and visits to local cultural sites. The program emphasizes developing observational and descriptive skills, peer critiques, and refining writing through interactive classes and discussions.

10. Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program

Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA.

Cost: $5,550 + $75 application fee.

Application Deadline: 

• Early Application and Priority Financial Aid: January 10, 2024.

• Regular Application and Financial Aid: February 14, 2024.

• Late Application: April 10, 2024.

Program Dates: 

• Session 1: June 23, 2024 - July 5, 2024.

• Session 2: July 7 - 19, 2024.

• Session 3: July 21, 2024 - August 2, 2024.

Eligibility: All high school students can apply.

The Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program on Speech, Writing, and Literature offers high school students a two-week opportunity to explore  topics such as creative writing, English, expository writing, journalism, and speech.Participants develop essential skills, experience independent living on a college campus, and sample college-level coursework. The program also offers financial aid options for eligible students, supporting their educational growth and college readiness.

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