Feel free to schedule a tutoring session to get matched with a more specific opportunity or to receive help with your application, but below are a few general writing programs to be on the lookout for!
1. Young Arizona Writers’ Workshop
- Age/Grade Range: High school students (grades 9-12) at University of Arizona.
- What you need to qualify: Be in grades 9-12, apply for the summer session (fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction).
- About the program: An intensive workshop in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction, offering students an immersive, workshop-style summer experience.
2. Loft Literary Center – Youth Offerings
- Age/Grade Range: Kids & teens ages 6-18.
- What you need to qualify: Depending on the class: select by age, genre, and in some cases pay tuition or apply for financial aid.
- About the program: A range of writing classes and workshops (online & in-person) across genres: short stories, playwriting, creating magical worlds, etc. Great for exploring different types of creative writing.
3. Lighthouse Writers Workshop – Young Writers Program
- Age/Grade Range: Children and teens (various age-specific workshops) via their youth program.
- What you need to qualify: Register for the session/workshop, sometimes apply for the “Young Authors Collective” if you’re a teen and want a more advanced course.
- About the program: Creative writing workshops (fiction, poetry, etc) taught by published authors, opportunities for publication in youth anthology, and community of young writers.
4. Minnesota Writing Project – Youth Programs
- Age/Grade Range: Young writers entering grades 3-8 in fall 2025.
- What you need to qualify: Be in that grade range for the upcoming term, sign up for the summer camp program.
- About the program: Summer camps focused on building confidence and writing skills through fun activities and community, which is especially good for younger writers wanting to develop.
5. Women Writing for (a) Change – Youth Programs
About the program: Creative writing focused on self-expression, voice, and community among young writers—classes, camps, emphasis on authentic voice and empowerment.
Age/Grade Range: Students in grades 4-12, specifically for girls, young women, and trans & gender-nonconforming (TGNC) youth.
What you need to qualify: Be in the grade range, identify with the target group, register for the summer camp or multi-session class.
6. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio (University of Iowa)
About the program: A highly selective, nationally recognized creative writing program offering workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative writing. Students learn from University of Iowa faculty and graduate students connected to the Iowa Writers’ Workshop.
Age/Grade Range: High school students, typically grades 10–12.
What you need to qualify: Competitive application (writing samples + application); must be a high school student at time of program.
Travel required?: Yes, it’s an in-person summer program in Iowa City, Iowa (housing provided). HOWEVER, there is also a virtual version of the program that does not require travel.
7. Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop (Kenyon College)
About the program: A prestigious, intensive two-week workshop in fiction, poetry, or nonfiction. Students work closely with published writers and participate in craft talks, workshops, and readings on Kenyon College’s campus.
Age/Grade Range: High school students, usually ages 16–18 (rising juniors & seniors).
What you need to qualify: Competitive application with writing samples; strong interest in literary writing.
Travel required?: Yes, it’s a residential program in Gambier, Ohio. HOWEVER, Keyon also offers an online version of this program that does not require travel.