Writing programs offer young and emerging authors benefits from delving into a world of fiction, imagination, and innovation to connecting with mentors.
Here is a list of eleven opportunities, including summer writing programs, workshops, and courses, which will help you strengthen your creative writing skills and learn new ones.
1. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ (Hybrid: virtual and on-campus)
Program Dates: Multi-week summer intensive, culminating in a 10-day residential experience (Summer 2025)
Cost: Free for admitted students
Eligibility: High school juniors from limited-income backgrounds with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Deadline: Every May (exact 2025 deadline not specified)
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program is a competitive, all-expenses-covered, comprehensive program for lower-income students. For several weeks, students are taught about journalism by Princeton faculty members and working journalists. The program features workshops, lectures, field trips, and a concluding on-campus residential experience. It's a life-changing immersion into the world of reporting and media.
2. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio – 2-Week Summer Residential Program
Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA (Hybrid)
Program Dates:
Session 1: June 15–28, 2025
Session 2: July 13–26, 2025
Cost: Not specified (typically, program fees apply; check official site)
Eligibility: Students currently in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade
Deadline: Not specified (usually late winter/early spring; check official site)
The Iowa Young Writers' Studio is a 2 week residential program which allows teens to improve their writing skills. It can be taken online or offline. Students can choose one core course from—fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction, and work closely with experienced instructors and peers. The program blends workshops, readings, and literary community-building in a vibrant atmosphere. It helps you hone your skills and develop different writing techniques.
3. RISE Global
Location: Online
Program Dates: Flexible, year-round enrollment with customized timelines based on student needs.
Cost: $2,000 (publication included)
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students (grades 8–12) from any country.
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Scholarships: Merit-based
RISE Global provides high school students exclusive one-on-one mentoring, helping them to create research projects that lead to esteemed publications. RISE helps students succeed academically and stand out on college applications by matching them with mentors from prestigious international universities like Harvard, Columbia, and Cambridge. RISE alumni have gained unique talents by pursuing a variety of fields, including psychology, economics, sustainability, and artificial intelligence.
4. The School of The New York Times Summer Academy (NYC)
Location: New York City, NY (Hybrid)
Program Dates:
Term 1: June 8–20, 2025
Term 2: June 22–July 4, 2025
Term 3: July 6–18, 2025
Term 4: July 20–Aug 1, 2025
Cost:
Residential: $7,265 (includes tuition, room, board, materials fee)
Day: $5,935 (includes tuition, daily lunch, materials fee)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors (ages 15–18 by program start)
Deadline: Rolling admissions (first-come, first-served)
The School of The New York Times Summer Academy offers students courses in journalism, media, technology, arts, etc. Participants learn from reporters, editors and industry experts. You can choose from skills such as pop music, filmmaking, journalism, etc. It’s ideal for teens eager to experience the fast-paced world of news and storytelling.
5. Yale Young Writers’ Workshop
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT (On campus or online)
Program Dates: Not specified for 2025; applications for 2025 are closed—apply for Summer 2026 when applications open in January
Cost: Not specified; check official site for updates
Eligibility: Students ages 16–18 who will have completed junior or senior year of high school before the program begins
Deadline: 2025 application closed; 2026 applications open in January
With both on-campus and online options, the Yale Young Writers' Workshop is a rigorous program for enthusiastic teen writers. Participants choose from fiction, nonfiction or poetry and are divided into small, focused groups which are instructed by faculty.
6. Bard College at Simon’s Rock Young Writers Workshop
Location: Great Barrington, MA (Berkshires; last year at this location in 2025)
Program Dates: July 6–26, 2025
Cost: Not specified; financial assistance available (apply by March 15)
Eligibility: Teen writers (typically high school students)
Deadline: Rolling applications open January 15, 2025; financial aid deadline March 15, 2025
The Bard College at Simon's Rock Young Writers Workshop is a three-week residential program, located in the Berkshires. Students from grades 9 to 11 will have the chance to explore subjects such as creative nonfiction, poetry, and fiction under authors and peers. The workshop places a strong emphasis on language and critical thinking abilities, teamwork, and development within a nurturing environment. 2025 marks the final year in this beautiful location—don’t miss your chance
7. Sarah Lawrence Writer’s Week
Location: Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY (typically in-person; check for virtual options)
Program Dates: Usually mid-July (2025 dates TBA)
Cost: Approximately $1,200 (previous years; check site for updates)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
Deadline: Usually late spring (check official site for 2025 deadline)
Sarah Lawrence Writer’s Week is a summer program open to ages 14 and above. Poetry, fiction, and nonfiction are explored by participants in small, encouraging workshops facilitated by seasoned authors and educators. The program combines writing with performance arts. Participants learn to express their writing through theatre exercises, within the nurturing literary community. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young writers to grow, connect, and create.
8. The Complete Creative Writer: All Genres (Udemy)
Location: Online (self-paced)
Program Dates: Start anytime
Cost: Varies (often under $30 with discounts/coupons)
Eligibility: Open to all ages and experience levels
Deadline: None (enrol anytime)
This comprehensive online course on Udemy covers fiction, drama, poetry and nonfiction area. With over 12 hours of video lessons, quizzes, and practical assignments, students can learn at their own pace and receive a certificate of completion. Led by experienced instructor Trace Crawford, the course is designed to build confidence and skill in every aspiring writer.
9. University of Pennsylvania Online Certificate in Creative Writing
Location: Online (University of Pennsylvania)
Program Dates: Flexible, year-round start dates
Cost: Tuition per course (check site for current rates)
Eligibility: Open to all; ideal for adults and advanced high school students
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Penn's Online Certificate in Creative Writing is an Ivy League credential with flexibility for writers who want to develop their skills in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, or screenwriting. The four-course program is taught by experienced faculty and writers. Students get personalized feedback and are part of a dynamic community of fellow writers. The certificate is ideal for adults or high school seniors wanting to create a professional writing portfolio.
10. California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) – Creative Writing Program
Location: California Institute of the Arts, Valencia, CA
Program Dates: July 6–August 2, 2025 (tentative)
Cost: $2,250 (financial aid available)
Eligibility: California residents, rising 9th–12th graders
Deadline: February 28, 2025 (estimated; check official site)
CSSSA’s Creative Writing Program is one of the best creative writing programs. It is an intensive, four-week residential experience for California high schoolers with a passion for the written word. You will gain skills in fiction, poetry and drama writing from professional writers and educators. And grow in a nurturing environment.
11. Boston University Summer Journalism Academy
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA (on-campus and online options)
Program Dates: Multiple sessions in June and July 2025
Cost: $2,400–$4,500 (varies by session and format)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
Deadline: Rolling admissions (apply early for best availability)
Boston University's Summer Journalism Academy provides high school students with hands-on experience in news reporting, writing, and multimedia storytelling. Students learn from award-winning journalists and BU faculty, covering actual events and creating publishable stories. The program is conducted on campus and online to ensure ease for students across the country. It's the ideal stepping stone for budding reporters and media professionals.
If you’re a student hoping to build a college profile that truly reflects who you are and what you care about, take a look at RISE Global Education. Their team connects you with mentors from leading universities, guides you through independent research, and helps you publish your work.