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10 Summer Writing Programs for Middle School Students

If you’re a middle schooler looking to improve your writing skills or build your portfolio, a summer writing program can be a great choice. Whether you are passionate about writing or  considering a future in academia, journalism, or creative fields, these programs can help. Writing skills are valuable in many professions,including law, marketing, content creation, and scientific research.

Participating in a summer writing program can make a positive impression when applying for advanced academic opportunities and enhance your skills and portfolio

To help you get started, here’s a list of 10 summer writing programs for middle school students. Some are free, while others require a fee due to teaching and mentoring components.

1. SummerEdge Intensive Programs: Middle School Writing

This  3-week summer camp for students in grades 6-8 focuses on enhancing writing skills through the Framing Your Thoughts curriculum, employing a multi-sensory teaching method. Students improve their word choice, sentence structure, and paragraph organization under the guidance of trained faculty, including many McLean School teachers. Additionally, this program also offers one-on-one teacher conferencing to students. 

Location: McLean School, Potomac, Maryland

Dates: June 24 to July 12, 2024 

Cost: $1,300

Eligibility: Grades 6-8

Deadline: March 1, 2024

2. Advanced Writing Exploration (AWE) Summer Program

Writopia Lab's Advanced Writing Exploration (AWE) program is an intensive summer camp for rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. This application-only program offers multi-genre workshops, genre-specific master classes, and continuous feedback from experienced instructors and peers. Over 10 days, students explore fiction, poetry, playwriting, and screenwriting through discussions, writing exercises, and feedback.

The program also prepares students for Writopia's high school Creative Portfolio program, helping them develop strong writing portfolios for college applications. AWE provides middle school writers with personalized attention in small classes to enhance creativity and develop unique voices.

Location: Upper West Side, New York City or Online

Dates: 

  • In-person: July 29 - August 7, 2024, 1-4 PM ET

  • Online: August 12 - August 21, 2024, 1-4 PM ET / 10 AM-1 PM PT

Cost: $1,290 (financial aid available)

Eligibility: Rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders 

Deadline: Applications are open Apply here

3. Interlochen Center for the Arts Creative Writing Summer Program 

The program offers a comprehensive writing experience focused on fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and playwriting. Students participate in daily writing classes, guided reading and writing assignments, and feedback sessions with peers. They also participate in the Creative Writing Forum, working with a range of instructors in a master class setting. Key features include small class sizes for individualized feedback, deeper learning, environmental explorations for inspiration, a showcase reading event, and contributions to a print anthology.

The program is led by experienced instructors that help students develop their unique voices. The Writing House, central feature of the Creative Writing Summer Program, offers a comfortable space for quiet work, group projects, and literary publications. The scenic campus and various activities provide a supportive and inspiring environment, ensuring personalized attention and growth  for young writers.

Location: Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen, Michigan

Dates: 

  • SESSION 1: June 23 to July 13, 2024

  • SESSION 2: July 14 to August 4, 2024

Cost: $6,765

Eligibility: Grades 6-8

Deadline: Applications are closed for 2024. Will open in early 2025.

4. Outschool's Middle School Writing Classes

Outschool's Middle School Writing program offers a dynamic online learning experience for young writers. Through interactive classes, students explore various writing genres, develop their skills, and explore their creativity. The program covers essential writing elements like crafting compelling narratives, constructing persuasive arguments, and mastering descriptive language. Experienced instructors provide personalized feedback and facilitate thought-provoking discussions with peers.This program fosters a love for writing while equipping students  with the tools to express themself effectively and confidently.

Location: Virtual

Dates: Varies depending on the program

Cost:  Varies depending on the program

Eligibility: Middle school students 

Deadline: Rolling basis

5. Sarah Lawrence College Writers Week for Teens

This week-long program at Sarah Lawrence College offers creative writing and performance arts workshops for middle school seniors. Participants attend daily workshops led by faculty, graduate students, alumni, and guest artists, with small group meetings for personalized interaction. Classes are limited to 18 students, with two teaching artists per workshop. It uses improvisation, group projects, and games to explore the creative process. Students choose a theater specialty such as screenwriting, comedy sketch writing, musical songwriting, or playwriting, with no prior theater experience needed. The goal is to help young writers and performers develop their skills and creativity in a supportive environment. The program also includes faculty and student readings and concludes with a celebration of student work. 

Location: Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY (on-campus) and virtual 

Dates:  

  • Virtual Session: July 15-19, 2024

  • On-Campus Session: August 5-9, 2024

Cost:  

  • Virtual Session: $1,025 ($100 deposit)

  • On-Campus Session: $1,550 ($200 deposit)

Eligibility: Middle school seniors. Students must be age 14 or older at the start of the program.

Deadline: Applications are closed for 2024.

6. Alpha - The Young Writers Workshop 

Alpha is a highly selective 12-day intensive writing workshop for young writers, with an acceptance rate of only 20 students each year. Participants work with 10 staff members and 4 acclaimed guest authors. They learn to generate ideas, write a full draft, critique their own and others' work, and revise their stories. Students write an original science fiction, fantasy, or horror short story of 2,000+ words and attend lectures, workshops, and one-on-one sessions with the guest authors. Additionally, they explore opportunities for publishing and pursuing a writing career. The 2024 guest authors include Vita Ayala, Mark Oshiro, and Kameron Hurley.

Location: University of Pittsburgh's Greensburg campus

Dates: July 24 - August 4, 2024

Cost: $1,500 (Need-based scholarships available)

Eligibility: Middle school seniors. Students must be age 14 or older at the start of the program.

Deadline: March 10, 2024 

7.  BYU Young Authors Academy

This week-long writing camp at Brigham Young University offers daily writing classes, electives, and activities led by BYU English faculty and guest authors.The program provides a supportive environment for developing writing skills across genres, with opportunities to interact with acclaimed authors and receive peer feedback. Topics include creating fictional worlds, poetry, and myth-inspired storytelling. Evening events feature readings, a story slam, and a dance. The camp aims to cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for writing.

Location: Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah

Dates: July 8–13, 2024

Cost: $489

Eligibility: Middle school seniors. Students must be age 14 or older at the start of the program. 

Deadline: 2024 applications are closed. Registration for 2025 will open in December 2024. 

8. Education Unlimited - Emerging Writers Institute 

The Emerging Writers Institute is a week-long summer program for rising 7th to 9th graders passionate about writing. Students engage in workshops led by experienced instructors, focusing on creative writing, storytelling, and self-expression. The program, offered at locations like UCLA, Stanford University, and online, includes peer reviews and guest lectures. Students leave with enhanced writing abilities, newfound confidence, and a portfolio to showcase their talents.

Location: 

  • In-person: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Campus and Stanford University, San Francisco 

  • Online 

Dates: Varies depending on the program 

Cost: 

  • In-person: Ranges from $1,885 to $2,650, depending on the format (day camp / extended day camp / overnight camp)

  • Online: $885

Eligibility: Rising 7th to 9th graders 

Deadline: 2024 applications are currently open. 

9. A Plus Program - Middle School Writing and Public Speaking Program

The A-Plus Program's Middle School Writing and Public Speaking course is a three-week program for students in grades 6-8 to enhance their writing and communication skills. It covers creative, persuasive, and expository writing, along with essential public speaking skills.Through interactive workshops, group discussions, and individual feedback, students refine their writing and presentation abilities. The curriculum fosters creativity and critical thinking, helping students express ideas clearly and compellingly. Emphasizing collaboration and peer learning, participants leave with an improved writing portfolio and enhanced public speaking skills, laying a strong foundation for future academic success and personal growth.

Location: 

  • 1106 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA 02215

  • 65 Harrison Avenue, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02111

  • Online

Dates:  3-week sessions or 6-week terms

  • July Session: July 1-19, 2024

  • August Session: July 29-August 14, 2024

Cost:  

  • $790 per 3-week session, $380 per week, book and material fee $60

  • $1,580 per 6-week term, book and material fee $120

Eligibility: Middle school students 

Deadline: Not available 

10. Essentials in Writing Summer Plan

The Essentials in Writing Summer Program is an engaging at-home course for students to enhance their writing skills. This 10-week program features a comprehensive video-based curriculum covering narrative, persuasive, and expository writing. Students learn at their own pace, allowing for flexibility and personalized experiences. With clear instruction and practical exercises, the program builds confidence and competence in writing. Ideal for summer enrichment, it equips students  with essential skills for their academic journey and beyond.

Location: Online

Dates: 10 weeks. The program is self-paced and students can start any time during the summer.

Cost: Varies depending on the program level

Eligibility: Middle school students 

Deadline: Not available


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Image Source - Interlochen Center for the Arts Logo