Writing may be a lonely craft, but it cannot be learned in privacy. The best approach for a student to improve their writing is to join a writing group that provides constructive critique and support.
Fortunately, many organizations and universities have summer programs that allow students to participate in writing communities. Many summer programs allow students to interact with outstanding university instructors while also meeting some of their favorite authors.
The summer writing programs for high school students listed here are among the best for a variety of reasons. Some are the best value, while others stand out for their particular curriculum focuses. However, everyone gives a unique perspective on teaching young people the skill of writing.
Regardless of why they are the best, each of these writing summer programs provides students with various range of experience, opportunity, and support for their future writing careers.
14 Best Summer Writing Programs for High School Students 2024
1. Princeton Summer Journalism Program at Princeton University
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) provides a free, year-long journalism program to high school juniors from low-income families. Students must complete a hybrid intensive period during the summer following their junior year, followed by one-on-one sessions with a personal college counselor during their senior year.
It is available to students who are enthusiastic about journalism. You learn new writing techniques as well as important skills like communication and work ethics. Other young creatives from around the world gather to learn and discuss themes such as culture, history, social issues, politics, and current events. This curriculum does not require any prior journalism experience.
2. YAWP Summer Teen Writing Fellowship at GrubStreet Center for Creative Writing in Seaport
The Young Artists and Writers Project (YAWP) is a widely sought-after creative summer writing program for high school students. Within three weeks, you will be collaborating with published authors and meeting with literary agents and editors. There are also tours to inspirational places such as the ICA and libraries.
This program accepts students who have no prior writing experience. However, it is only open to applicants who attend school in Suffolk, Norfolk, Middlesex, Essex, or Plymouth counties, with a preference for Boston residents. Only 20 applicants are chosen for this program.
Students will explore approaches for several genres, including but not limited to fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and screenwriting. You also learn how to interact as a student in the literary world. Each student will get a stipend of $625 at the end of the program.
3. The School of New York Times Summer Academy at The School of New York Times
The New York Times School of Journalism provides a variety of summer writing classes that include themes such as writing on technology, opinion writing in journalism, commentary writing, creative writing, film writing, and other writing genres. Each topic is a distinct course on its own.
The professors at this summer academy include industry specialists, including award-winning journalists from the New York Times. Students also have the opportunity to explore New York City through field trips and special visits. They also make friendships with their peers and graduate program participants.
4. JCamp by Asian American Journalist Association
JCamp is a nationwide journalism program for high school students. It lasts six days and brings together students from all cultures to learn from seasoned journalists and top media executives.
Expect hands-on training, such as multiplatform news packages for the program’s website, JCamp Live, interactive seminars, and field trips. A shown strong interest in radio, periodicals, newspapers, photography, or online media is required for selection.
5. Juniper Young Writers Writing Lab at the University of Massachusetts
The Juniper Institute for Young Writers at the University of Massachusetts provides a two-week residential summer writing program for students. This program teaches students about writing topics through lectures, fiction workshops, and writing prompts. They will take part in writing workshops, craft sessions, writer’s life discussions, readings, and write-alongs.
In addition, students will tour locations linked with the writers, poets, and activists who called Western Massachusetts home. Experienced educators are available to answer your queries regarding creative writing. A plus is the opportunity to experience college life firsthand during this residential program on the University of Massachusetts campus.
6. Smith College Creative Writing Workshop at Smith College
Smith’s Creative Writing Workshop provides an opportunity to explore writing in a creative and friendly setting. If you are interested in creative writing, this program will help you develop that desire.
The classes use a multi-draft writing paradigm that accepts the unpredictability that arises when we cease attempting to regulate our writing. You will learn a flexible writing strategy that eliminates writer’s block and allows you to express your entire creativity.
You also learn how to edit your own and others’ work. At the conclusion of the program, you will have a developing online writing portfolio, an anthology of writing examples from all students, and professional contacts in the literary world.
7. Reynolds Young Writer’s Workshop at Denison University
Denison University holds a writer’s workshop every year, with core faculty members teaching each student. The course begins with an overview of the principles and depths of creative writing across genres. Classes consist of writing exercises, short reading assignments, and craft discussions.
Aside from writing workshops, you can meet with faculty members to talk about your work, aspirations, and writing objectives. You will get the opportunity to meet and connect with renowned poets and writers, in addition to academic members.
During your free time, you can enjoy cultural and recreational activities in Granville and Columbus. These activities include visits to the Columbus Museum of Art, hiking in Denison’s 350-acre bio-reserve, movies, swimming, volleyball, bowling, and more.
8. The Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Workshop for Young Writers by the Alpha Group
The Alpha workshop for high school students teaches them how to write stories in science fiction, horror, and fantasy genres. You learn how to conceive and develop ideas into drafts. You’ll also learn how to submit to experts, attack edits, and advance your writing career.
Alpha picks 20 students with extensive writing experience. Although the workshop is held at the University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg, the university is not affiliated with Alpha Workshop For Young Writers, Inc.
9. Liberal Arts Intensive at Barnard College
The liberal arts intensive summer program includes a number of writing programs, including the Art of the Essay, as well as reading and writing workshops. The Art of Essay course includes discussions on important themes.
Students are assigned to create three sorts of essays that focus on personal experience as meaningful evidence of larger phenomena or patterns. All tasks are designed to improve your observation, inquiring, describing, analyzing, and persuasion skills.
Female high school students can also benefit from the subject, which covers feminist life writing and women’s fairy tales. In the end, you will receive three college credits. The credits can be used at Barnard or transferred to any institution or university that recognizes credit transfers.
10. Pre-College Summer School Program at Harvard University
The Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program is a two-week summer program for high school students that includes Speech, Writing, and Literature classes. If you want to be a writer, you should take this course.
This course focuses on creative writing, English, expository writing, journalism, and speech. Students might expect to improve their academic skills and learn how to live freely on a college campus.
11. The Multicultural Journalism Program (MJP) at the University of Alabama
The University of Alabama selects 10 to 15 high school students to attend an intensive workshop in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The workshop focuses on writing, editing, graphics, multimedia reporting, and basic communication skills.
The workshop begins on the first day, led by teachers and visiting specialists. At the conclusion of the program, participants present their work in a MJP Journal, a newspaper, and a website.
The tutors are journalists from across the state who are matched with each student. Many tutors communicate with their assigned students throughout the year and into their careers.
12. Tisch’s Future Dramatic Writers Workshop at New York University
The Dramatic Writers Workshop provides students with an understanding of what it means to study and write play. It is a free, intensive academic and professional writing program for students with the ability and desire to write for theatre, film, and television.
The curriculum comprises professional training in Dance, Drama, Production & Design, Dramatic Writing, and Filmmaking. The Tisch Summer High School Program is tuition-based, with students earning four to six college credits.
13. Emerging Writers Institute Creative Writing Camp
The Emerging Writers Institute creative writing camp allows students to improve and strengthen their inventive writing across literary genres. The categories are fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry.
Students participate in intense workshops, literary outings, individual instructor evaluations, group editing sessions, and creative work presentations.
Experienced authors and educators are on hand to help young writers polish their skills in a collaborative setting. Furthermore, young writers all over the world will create and maintain literary friendships that will endure their entire lives.
14. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio at the University of Iowa
Students in the Summer Residential Program complete an immersed course in two weeks. These classes are offered by Iowa Writers’ Workshop grads.
You have the option of writing fiction, poetry, creative writing (which combines poetry, fiction, and personal essays), television writing, or playwriting. Students will engage in writing tasks and receive constructive critique from professors and peers.
They will also lead craft classes, hold talks on writing-related topics (such as literary translation, film, and mental health), organize readings by recognized writers, and facilitate collaborative projects among students.
Final Thoughts
Summer writing programs for high school students help you stand out in college applications, especially at highly selective schools. Now that you’ve compiled a list of the best summer writing programs for high school students, begin preparing your application papers.
Transcripts, application essays, letters of recommendation, and writing samples are all examples of materials. If you require financial aid, make sure to apply before the deadline.
