Summer writing programs for high school students offer many benefits, from sharpening your writing style and organisational skills to becoming a more discerning reader and effective communicator. If you’re a student looking to polish their skills, look no further! This blog features a fantastic selection of creative writing programs for high school students and a bonus list of journalism programs to explore the world of factual storytelling!
Best Creative Writing Programs for High School Students
Here’s a list of the best summer writing programs for high school students that you should check out to improve your skills:
1. Princeton Summer Journalism Program
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) is your chance to hone your skills and gain invaluable experience. This prestigious program, free of charge, seeks 40 high-achieving high school juniors for an intensive summer experience.
At Princeton’s Summer Journalism Program, you’ll learn from the best! Get a chance to attend lectures and workshops led by esteemed Princeton professors and professional journalists to gain insights into current events and the world of journalism. You’ll also explore various aspects of journalism, from in-depth reporting to crafting compelling narratives.
That’s not it- you will also contribute to the Princeton Summer Journal, a student-run publication showcasing your newfound skills.
The eligibility criteria for Princeton- one of the best creative schools in the world is:
- Be a current high school junior in the US planning to attend college.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in journalism.
- Come from a low-income background, meeting at least one of the following criteria:
- Household income (including child support) below $60,000.
- Eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch programs.
- Qualification for an SAT or ACT fee waiver.
2. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio
You can take your writing to the next level with the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio’s immersive 2-week residential program. This prestigious summer writing program for high school students, offered in-person or virtually, allows you to work with instructors who are graduates of the renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop, one of the nation’s top creative writing programs.
It will help you deepen your craft by letting you choose your focus – poetry, fiction, creative writing, playwriting, or TV writing – and receive personalised guidance alongside other talented young writers across the US. Through these workshops, you can sharpen your skills, hone your writing techniques and develop your unique voice.
The workshop offers two options: you can opt for an in-person program or a virtual program.
3. California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) Writing Program
You can immerse yourself in a world of creativity this summer with the prestigious CSSSA Writing Program. It is one of the best high schools for creative writing. The program was founded in 1987 and offers a unique opportunity for talented young writers to hone their craft.
Here, expert guidance awaits you! You’ll learn from professional writers and educators who guide you through fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and dramatic writing. You’ll dive into a nurturing environment that celebrates your love for language and storytelling.
4. Boston University Summer Journalism Academy
The Boston University Summer Journalism Academy offers a dynamic program to jumpstart your journalism journey. Not only are you mentored by working journalists who share their real-world experience through hands-on reporting assignments, but you’d also have flexible options – you can opt for in-person immersion on Boston University’s campus or a virtual program with multiple sessions.
5. The New York Times Summer Academy
The prestigious New York Times Summer Academy offers an immersive experience for students hungry to explore journalism and creative fields. It is one of the best creative schools in the world. Here, you can explore your passions and choose from various courses, from filmmaking and pop music to the legal system and investigative journalism. You will be guided by veteran New York Times journalists who share their expertise and industry secrets.
Also, the program offers flexible terms throughout the summer and provides financial aid.
6. Camp Cronkite at Arizona State University
Camp Cronkite is your chance to dive into the exciting world of journalism with the experts at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School. This program will help you choose your path as the course focuses on digital journalism, broadcast journalism, or sports media, honing your skills in reporting, storytelling, and editing. With this summer writing program for high school students, students get hands-on experience in video editing, photography, scriptwriting, and more!
7. Telluride Association Summer Seminars (TASS)
If you are passionate about critical thinking, social justice, and expressing yourself through writing, TASS could be your best option, as it is one of the best high schools for creative writing! What makes TASS so unique is that it is free to attend. They don’t provide financial aid, but there is no program fee!
With this program, you can explore power structures, social issues, and history through a critical lens and hone your essay writing and analytical skills across humanities and social studies subjects.
TASS is highly selective. Their acceptance rate is 3-5%, meaning you can join a vibrant intellectual community. While TASS isn’t a traditional creative writing program, its focus on critical thinking and clear expression will undoubtedly strengthen your writing skills.
8. Yale Young Writers’ Workshop
This one is for all aspiring writers in grades 10-12. With this course, you can enhance your craft and discover your unique voice. It will help you deepen your skills in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or graphic storytelling. The workshops are intimate, as you’ll gain personalised attention in small groups capped at 12 students.
The program is currently offered online and can help you develop your craft, experiment with your work, and flourish in a supportive online environment.
9. Bard College at Simon’s Rock Young Writers Workshop
If you’re a high school writer anywhere between grades 9-11, opting for Bard College at Simon’s Rock Young Writers Workshop might be your perfect match as they provide youngsters with a supportive and creative environment where they can thrive creatively.
This program goes deeper than grammar and punctuation. It focuses on strengthening critical thinking and language skills, the building blocks of powerful writing. You will also receive personalised attention in intimate workshops, which are capped at 12 students.
This program will also help you develop a strong writing portfolio while exploring different genres and techniques through daily workshops and discussions.
10. Sarah Lawrence Writer’s Week
Sarah Lawrence Writer’s Week is open to creative minds aged 14 and above. This program offers a unique and inspiring experience, pushing the boundaries of storytelling through the synergy of writing and performance art.
Unleash your inner writer and performer in workshops designed to ignite your creativity. Delve into the world of improvisation, character development, and other interactive theater exercises. Sarah Lawrence Writer’s Week goes beyond traditional writing, guiding you to discover the powerful link between the written word and its expression through performance. This exploration will elevate your storytelling skills to a whole new level. But that’s not all! Collaborate and learn alongside a supportive community in a dynamic environment with a maximum of 18 students per class. (Keep in mind that the program is highly selective, so make your application shine!) For added flexibility, choose your adventure – participate virtually or immerse yourself in the on-campus experience!
11. 92Y Unterberg Poetry Center Young Writers Workshop
Established in 1939, this prestigious program offers a nurturing environment for high school students to learn from New York City’s finest poetry instructors. At 92Y Unterberg Poetry Center, you’ll explore the depths of poetry as you delve into various forms and styles, finding your unique voice.
You’ll receive expert coaching from some of New York’s best writing teachers and a chance to workshop your poems in a warm and encouraging environment alongside fellow passionate writers.
And more than just writing you’d also develop critical thinking skills and learn to analyze your work and the work of others. This workshop will also help you gain career insights and understand the path to a successful writing life.
12. LMU’s Beginning Screenwriting Program
Turn your ideas into gripping stories with LMU’s School of Film and Television Beginning Screenwriting Program. This intensive program offers expert guidance as you get to learn from industry professionals who are also successful screenwriters. You’ll also develop foundational skills and master the essentials of structure, character development, dialogue, formatting, and genre.
With this course, you’d get to explore classic and contemporary films to understand storytelling techniques and get hands-on experience as you develop your short script throughout the program.
Beyond the Classroom: Elevate Your Writing Skills This Summer
With so many incredible creative writing programs available, there’s sure to be a perfect fit for every aspiring young author. Whether you dream of penning the next great American novel, crafting compelling news stories, or scripting Hollywood’s next blockbuster, there’s a program tailored to your aspirations.
Whether you’re drawn to poetry, journalism, screenwriting, or the boundless world of fiction, these programs offer invaluable instruction, supportive communities, and the chance to learn from industry professionals. These experiences will sharpen your writing skills and provide invaluable insights into the professional writing world.
Unleash your inner writer, explore your options, and take the first step towards transforming your creative spark into a full-fledged literary flame.
