high school creative writing summer programs

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 12 summer writing programs for high school students (2022 -2023).

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Love reading, writing, and being creative? Then consider checking out summer writing programs for high school students! 

Whether you want to become a journalist or the next Poet Laureate, there are tons of summer writing programs that will help you achieve your goals. Participating in these programs can look great on college applications too! 

In this article, we’ll give you all the info you need to decide if creative writing summer programs for high school students are right for you, including: 

• A full description of 12 summer writing programs for high school students (including cost, eligibility, and what they cover!)
• A quick, five question quiz to help you decide if a summer writing program is right for you
• Three tips on how to impress colleges with your summer writing program

Let’s get started! 

Summer's the perfect time for sitting on the beach, eating ice cream...and participating in writing programs. 

What Are Summer Writing Programs for High School Students? 

Creative writing summer programs for high school students are a great way for students with an interest in writing to explore subjects they’re interested in, build skills for college, and meet other students who share their interests.  

As a bonus, summer writing programs can look great on college applications!

Summer writing programs for high schoolers are typically held between May and August each year . These programs are similar to a summer class or camp. Additionally, these programs last anywhere from a week to several weeks throughout the summer. 

Like summer camps, writing programs for high schoolers are pretty intensive. Students spend their time l istening to lectures from experts, participating in workshops, presenting their work, and getting real-life feedback. 

Best of all, summer writing programs are hands-on, so you’ll spend lots of time writing and creating original work ! The goal of any summer writing program is to help you develop and improve your writing skills through practice and feedback. 

While some programs teach general writing skills, many summer writing programs focus on a particular field or genre, like journalism, essay writing, or creative writing . For instance, if you’re thinking about becoming a journalism major, you might participate in a journalism writing summer program that’ll give you a glimpse of what it’s like to work in the industry.

There are many benefits of summer writing programs when it comes to college applications too. After all, writing great college essays is an important part of getting into your dream school! And because they’re extracurricular activities, summer writing programs are also a good option for students who are aiming for an arts-based spike approach on college applications. 

Dust off that typewriter...it's time to apply!

12 Summer Writing Programs for High School Students

We’ve put together a list of 12 summer creative writing summer programs for high school students to help you get a sense of the many great options out there. Our list includes journalism, research-based, and creative writing summer programs for high school students so you can find the best one for you! 

#1: The School of New York Times Summer Academy

• Eligibility: Must be entering 10th, 11th, 12th grade, or graduating high school
• Dates: Term 1: June 5-17; Term 2: June 19-July 1; Term 3: July 3-15; Term 4: July 17-29
• Location: New York City
• Cost: $6,420 for residential; $5,820 for day program
• Deadlines: Varies by term; deadlines range from early May to mid-June

The New York Times (NYT) offers a series of writing-based summer courses for high school students at their campus in New York City. Courses are designed to develop students’ curiosity and critical thinking through traditional coursework and in the museums, arts centers, think tanks, and start-up labs of New York City. Courses are offered on various topics , including creative writing and investigative journalism. 

The program “seeks talented student leaders with diverse interests, ambitions and writing styles.” To participate, students complete an online application that includes short answer questions and optional writing samples, high school transcripts, and one recommendation. 

#2: Boston University Summer Journalism Academy

• Eligibility: Must be aged 14-18 
• Dates: Vary by year; Session 1: June 20-July 1; Session 2: July 4-July 15; Session 3: July 18-July 29
• Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
• Cost: On-Campus w/tuition, room, board and activity fees: $3700; On-Campus Commuter w/tuition and activity fees: $2700; Learn-from-Home: $1300
• Deadlines: Applications due mid-May

The Summer Journalism Academy at Boston University is designed to introduce high school students to life as news reporters . Students practice their skills in the classroom then apply them to hands-on learning opportunities in a real newsroom. One of the biggest perks is that students get to learn from working journalists who cover a wide range of beats. 

Students can participate in person or remotely. In-person participants can stay on BU’s campus through the residential program, where they’ll get a chance to live alongside other academy attendees. To participate, applications must be submitted online and should include a 300-word letter explaining the student’s interest in journalism.

#3: Asian American Journalist Association (AAJA) Journalism Camp

• Eligibility: 9th-12th graders with a strong interest in journalism 
• Dates: Summer; exact program dates may vary
• Location: Varies by year; JCamp 2022 is hosted by the University of Southern California
• Cost: No cost (travel expenses are also covered by the program)
• Deadlines: Applications due March 31

The AAJA‘s six-day summer training camp, called JCamp, gives students the opportunity to learn from journalists and journalism executives while developing their writing skills. This summer writing program gives students hands-on experience producing multi-platform news packages that are published on the program’s news site, JCamp Live. 

Students who show a strong interest in broadcasting, newspaper, magazine, photojournalism, or online media are encouraged to apply online. Also, JCamp isn’t limited to Asian American students, so all high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible. Even better: all program costs are covered , including travel, university lodging, and meals. 

#4: Yale Daily News Summer Journalism Program

• Eligibility: Open to all high school students
• Dates: August 16-20
• Location: Varies by year; 2022 program held via Zoom
• Cost: Free to students from New Haven Public Schools; all other participants pay $160 in tuition
• Deadlines: Unspecified

The Yale Daily News Summer Journalism Program is a one-week journalism course for high school students. Students participate in workshops on the basics of writing and reporting, hear lectures by journalists from major publications, and work as a team to produce an issue of the Yale Daily News.  

As a bonus, the program is run entirely by undergraduate staff members of the Yale Daily News , so students will get to see what it’s like to be a real journalism student at an Ivy League school. 

To apply, students must submit four short answer questions and a pitch for one professional-grade news article . Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as program costs may increase as the program start date approaches. 

Howard University's writing program is perfect for people who want to write across media--and yes, that includes TikTok.

#5: Howard University Multimedia Academy 

• Eligibility: Must be in 9th-12th grade
• Dates: June 14-25
• Location: Virtual/online
• Cost: Not specified
• Deadlines: Applications due June 5

Howard’s virtual summer writing program teaches students to use multimedia journalism to report on health and wellness in underserved communities . At the end of the program, students’ work appears on the Howard University News Service and on Voices of Tomorrow, a nonprofit that provides social services to immigrants and refugees from East African communities.  

Additionally, the best work by seniors and recent graduates will be eligible for the Dow Jones News Fund’s scholarship competition . To apply to Howard’s Multimedia Academy, students must fill out an online application, including a 250-word essay. 

#6: The Multicultural Journalism Program (MJW)  

• Eligibility: Rising 9th graders through college freshmen
• Dates: June 3-12
• Location: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
• Cost: Free, including housing, meals, and field trips; students are responsible for transportation to and from Tuscaloosa
• Deadlines: Applications due April 1

MJW’s summer writing program selects 10 to 15 students to attend an intensive workshop held in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This workshop focuses on multimedia reporting, writing, editing, graphics, photography, and production. During the workshop, students produce an issue of the MJP Journal to showcase everything they’ve learned. 

Applicants must submit a high school transcript, a typed 500-word essay explaining their interest in journalism, and a recommendation letter. The program also encourages students to submit samples of published journalistic work , but unpublished writing samples are also acceptable. 

#7: Carnegie-Mellon University Writing and Culture Program

• Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old by program start date; must be a current high school sophomore or junior at time of application; must have an academic average of B (3.0/4.0) and/or have received a B or higher in their last English class.
• Dates: July 5-August 12
• Location: Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
• Cost: $9,000 for residential program; $6,932 for commuter program
• Deadlines: Applications accepted on a rolling basis

The Carnegie-Mellon Writing and Culture Program teaches high school students to think critically and express themselves creatively. This six-week course features classes taught by Carnegie-Mellon faculty, readings and events with local authors, and hands-on visits to Pittsburgh’s museums. Throughout the program, students produce a written portfolio that explores film, art, and culture . 

To apply, students must complete an online application that includes a high school transcript, responses to essay prompts, and up to three optional writing samples. If an applicant’s cumulative high school GPA is below a B average (3.0/4.0), submitting writing samples is strongly encouraged.

#8: Iowa Young Writers’ Studio Residential Program

• Eligibility: Must be a current 10th, 11th, or 12th grader
• Dates: Session 1: June 12-25; Session 2: July 10-23
• Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
• Cost: $2,500 for residential
• Deadlines: Applications due February 6

The Iowa Writers’ Workshop offers a two-week, residential creative writing summer program for 144 high school students from across the country. Once accepted, students will select a course of study from the following options: poetry, fiction, creative writing, playwriting, or TV writing. Students also participate in writing workshops, receive constructive feedback, and star in open mics and talent shows.

The Iowa Young Writers’ studio acceptance rate falls between 15% and 20% . A competitive application to this program will include a polished writing sample, statement of purpose, letter of recommendation, and high school transcript. Students from outside the United States are also welcome to apply. 

It turns out that Virginia is for writers.

#9: UVA Young Writers Workshop

• Eligibility: Session 1: rising 9th-12th graders; Session 2: rising 10th graders through rising first-year college students
• Dates: Session 1: June 19-July 1; Session 2: July 3-July 22  
• Location: Sweet Briar College, Sweet Briar, VA
• Cost: $2450 for Session 1; $3500 for Session 2
• Deadlines: Applications due March 1

UVA Young Writers Workshop is a summer program designed to immerse students in a creative writing genre . Students focus on one of the following for the duration of the program: short form creative writing, poetry, songwriting, screen and playwriting, creative nonfiction, or fiction. 

UVA Young Writers Workshop is one of the best summer writing programs for high school students because it offers two program sessions that are geared toward different skill levels . Session 1 is designed for a wider range of skill levels and experience, whereas Session 2 is geared toward more advanced writers. You can apply to both sessions online by submitting several writing samples, a brief autobiography, and a letter of recommendation. 

#10: Smith College Creative Writing Workshop

• Eligibility: Must be in 9th-12th grades; must be female-identified or gender-nonconforming students
• Dates: July 9-23
• Cost: $4,285
• Deadlines: Applications due May 15

Smith’s Creative Writing Workshop teaches the importance of practice and perseverance by engaging students in a multi-draft writing process in a variety of mediums . Students are taught by real published writers and get the chance to present their work at open mic and improv nights. In the evenings, there are even opportunities to meet with agents and learn how to create an author website!

Students are selected for this writing program based on academic performance, a written essay, and a teacher recommendation. Also, because Smith is a women’s college, this summer writing program is only open to young women, female-identified, or gender-nonconforming students . Students from outside of the U.S. are also encouraged to apply. 

#11: Sarah Lawrence Writer’s Week

• Eligibility: Must be in 9th-12th grade and 14 years of age or older by the program start date
• Dates: On-campus session: July 11-15; online session: August 1-5
• Location: Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY; online
• Cost: $1,125 for on-campus; $725 for online
• Deadlines: Unspecified; contact [email protected]​ for more information 

Writer’s Week at Sarah Lawrence is a week-long experience with creative writing and performance arts for high school students. Students attend workshops taught by real writers, artists, and Sarah Lawrence faculty and will get the chance to meet in small groups with workshop leaders. At the end of the week, the program hosts a celebration of student work and faculty and student readings. 

Sarah Lawrence Writer’s Week offers both an on-campus and online session (but note that the on-campus session is a day camp, not residential). Applications and registration must be completed online. 

#12: Alpha Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Workshop for Young Writers

• Eligibility: Must be aged 14-19
• Dates: July 20-31
• Location: University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg, PA
• Cost: $1,200
• Deadlines: Unspecified; applications open in January 

Alpha is a twelve-day writing workshop for 20 high school students at the University of Pittsburgh’s Greensburg campus. During this program, students are expected to write an original science fiction, fantasy, or horror short story of 2000 words or more. During the writing process, students receive plenty of hands-on guidance. 

The Alpha program is held in-person on the University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg campus . To apply, students must fill out an online form and submit an original short story of at least 2000 words. 

Quiz: Is a Summer Writing Program Right for You?

If you’re still not sure if participating in a summer writing program is right for you, don’t worry–we’re here to help! 

We’ve put together a five-question, yes-or-no response quiz to help you decide if summer writing programs support your interests and goals. Just read the questions below and respond with “yes” or “no.”

• Is your English class the most exciting part of your school day?  
• Do you spend free time reading and writing for fun? 
• Are you looking for new challenges and experiences as a writer? 
• Are you willing to share your writing with others, including peers you’ve just met and writing professionals and experts? 
• Are you highly motivated to pursue your interests outside of school and even during your summer vacation? 

If you responded with “yes” to three or more of the questions above, you might consider applying to a summer writing program for high school students! 

At the end of the day, you want your summer activities to support your interests and boost your college applications . If you’re aiming for a future career as a writer or just want to hone your writing hobby, a summer writing program may be the perfect fit for you.

3 Tips To Impress Colleges With Your Summer Writing Program

Summer writing programs for high school students look great to college admissions teams . But what are the best ways to showcase your writing experience on your applications? 

We’ll show you how to impress colleges with your summer writing program–just check out the tips below !

Tip 1: Work It Into Your College Essays

You want your college essays to tell a vivid story about your interests . Your experiences in a summer writing program provide a great springboard for illustrating your interests and passions on your college applications! 

Colleges want to accept students who are creative, courageous, and motivated to pursue their dreams. Writing about how you stretched and grew during your summer writing program will show colleges that you’re up for a challenge…and that you won’t give up, no matter how many revisions your draft needs. 

Tip 2: Connect It to Your Major

If you’re already certain you want to major in a writing-related field in college, your summer writing program will be especially helpful. Many elite schools ask students to apply directly to their chosen major. So if you’re applying to an arts or humanities major, there’s a good chance you’ll have to submit a writing sample as part of your college application . 

The good news is that most summer writing programs give you the chance to produce original writing and receive critiques from professional writers. By taking the writing you produce during your summer writing program and continuing to revise it, you’ll have a top-notch writing sample to include with your application.

Tip 3: Ask a Program Instructor for a Recommendation

Creative writing summer programs for high school students give you the opportunity to connect with writing faculty at elite colleges and real-life writers, journalists, poets, and more. These professionals provide feedback on your writing during your summer program…which means they’ll have unique insights into your potential as a college student ! 

In fact, several summer writing programs offer students the chance to receive a college recommendation from program faculty . For instance, the New York Times Summer Academy says this about recommendations from program faculty:

As a pre-college program, [NYT] Summer Academy gives students the opportunity to get a glimpse of the college experience while also exploring possible topics of study. Typically, college admissions officers look favorably on students who continue to enhance their academic portfolio during the summer months. Students will also benefit from receiving a narrative evaluation from their instructor which can be included as part of their college applications.

If you build strong rapport with an instructor at your summer writing program, consider staying in touch and asking them to write you a letter of recommendation for your college applications. Having a recommendation from someone outside of your high school will show colleges that you’re already building real-world connections with people in your future career field . 

What’s Next? 

Writing programs can prepare you for writing your college admissions essays . Our expert guide breaks down the whole admissions essay writing process , step by step.

One popular college essay format is the “why this school?” prompt. We’ll show you how to write an amazing “why this college” essay that will wow admissions counselors.  

If you’re not sure what a great college essay looks like, that’s okay. We’ve compiled a list of over 140 college essays that can inspire you as you’re writing yours! 

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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Great Summer Creative Writing Programs for High School Students

Immersive Summer Programs for Budding Writers

Summer is a terrific time for aspiring writers to focus on creative writing . Immersive programs give high schoolers the opportunity to develop writing skills, meet like-minded students, and gain an impressive line on their activities resumé. This list of excellent summer creative writing programs for high school students may offer just what the budding writers in your family need to make the most of their talents.

Emerson College Creative Writers Workshop

Emerson’s Creative Writers Workshop is a five-week program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors geared at developing their writing skills in a variety of media, including fiction, poetry, screenwriting, graphic novels, and magazine writing. Participants attend college-level writing classes exploring these genres in which they write and present their own work, create a final portfolio of their writing, contribute to the workshop’s anthology, and present a reading for family and friends. On-campus housing is available for the duration of the workshop.

Alfred University Creative Writing Camp

This summer writing program introduces rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to many different genres, including poetry, short fiction, creative non-fiction, and drama. Students read and discuss the work of established authors and participate in writing-intensive exercises and workshop sessions led by Alfred University faculty members. Campers stay in university housing and enjoy a variety of recreational activities outside of classes and workshops such as movie nights, games, and social gatherings. The program runs annually for five days at the end of June.

Sarah Lawrence College Summer Writers Workshop for High School Students

This program is a one-week, non-residential summer workshop for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors that explores the process of creative writing in a non-competitive, non-judgmental environment. Participants have the opportunity to attend small writing and theater workshops led by faculty and guest writers and theater artists, as well as attend and participate in readings. Classes are limited to 15 students with three faculty leaders per workshop to provide individual attention for each student.

Sewanee Young Writers Conference

This two-week residential program offered by The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, provides dedicated rising high school sophomore, junior, and senior creative writers an opportunity to develop and polish their writing skills. The conference includes workshops in playwriting, fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction led by celebrated professional writers as well as visiting writers whose works students analyze and discuss. Participants select one writing genre and spend their two weeks attending a small workshop dedicated to that genre, with opportunities for one-on-one contact with workshop leaders. Students also participate in lectures, readings, and discussions.

Emerging Writers Institute Creative Writing Camp

Allen Grove

Education Unlimited offers the Emerging Writers Institute creative writing camp each summer at Yale University , Stanford University , and UC Berkeley . This two-week residential program for rising 10th-12th graders includes daily workshops, evaluations, peer editing groups, and creative presentations designed to encourage students to challenge themselves as writers and hone their expressive writing process.

Each student chooses to major in the writing of either short stories, poetry, playwriting, or nonfiction. The bulk of their critical reading and writing exercises and workshopping is devoted to their selected major. Students may also attend afternoon workshops on nontraditional genres such as speechwriting, graphic novels, and advertising copy, as well as guest presentations by local authors and publishers.

Iowa Young Writers' Studio

The University of Iowa offers this two-week summer creative writing program for rising juniors, seniors, and college freshmen. Students choose one of three core courses in poetry, fiction, or creative writing (a more general course sampling from poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction). Within their course, they participate in seminar classes in which they read and analyze literary selections and workshops to create, share, and discuss their own writing. Also offered are large group writing exercises, inspirational outdoor writing excursions, and nightly readings by prominent published writers. Many of the program's teachers and counselors are graduates of the university's Iowa Writers' Workshop, one of the most prestigious creative writing graduate programs in the country.

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25 Best High School Summer Writing Programs in 2024

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 4/26/24

Do you love reading and writing? If you are a creative with a love for reading books and have a passion for creative writing, playwriting, or journalism, check out these summer writing programs for high school students.

Every summer, several schools host writing programs for high school students. While some of these programs focus on the basics of writing, others are much more immersive. They teach various writing fields, including creative writing, research writing, scriptwriting, and poetry.

Whether you become the next Poet Laureate or the top-rated journalist, you can begin by attending a writing program this summer. Participating in these programs will build your skills and boost your college applications. Of the many writing programs, we bring to you the best writing programs for high schoolers. 

1. Princeton Summer Journalism Program at Princeton University 

Location : Princeton, NJ 

Program Length: 10 days

Eligibility: Grade 11-12 students

Start Date: July 26, 2024

Application Deadline: February 15, 2024

The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) offers a free, year-long journalism program for high school juniors from limited-income backgrounds . Students must go through a hybrid intensive period during the summer after their junior year, after which they work one-on-one with a personal college counselor during their senior year.

It is open to students with enthusiasm for journalism. You gain new writing and essential skills, including communication and work ethics. Other young creatives from around the world come together to learn and discuss topics ranging from culture, history, social issues, politics, and current events. You need no prior experience in journalism before joining this program.

2. YAWP Summer Teen Writing Fellowship at GrubStreet Center for Creative Writing in Seaport

Location : Boston, MA 

Program Length : Three weeks

Cost : Free

Eligibility : Grade 9-12 students

Start Date : July 8, 2024

Application Deadline : March 18, 2024

YAWP ( Young Artists and Writers Project ) is a highly sought-after creative summer writing program for high school students. Within three weeks, you collaborate with published authors and meet with literary agents and editors. There are also trips to inspirational locales like the ICA and libraries. 

Students without writing experience can be a part of this program. However, it is open only to applicants who attend school in Suffolk, Norfolk, Middlesex, Essex, or Plymouth counties, prioritizing Boston residents. Only 20 applicants are selected for this program.

Students will learn techniques in genres, including but not limited to fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and screenwriting. You also discover how to relate as a student in the literary world. Each student will receive 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

Location : New York City, NY 

Program Length : Two weeks

Cost : $7,220 for Residents and $5,935 for Day students 

Eligibility : Grade 10-12 students

Start Date : June 3, 2024

Application Deadline : April 1, 2024

The School of the New York Times offers various summer writing programs, covering topics like Writing on Tech, Opinion writing in journalism, commentary writing, creative writing, film writing, and other writing genres. Each topic is a different course on its own.

The instructors at this summer academy are industry experts, including award-winning journalists working at the New York Times. Students also explore New York City on field trips and unique visits. They also form connections with peers and students participating in graduate programs.

4. JCamp by Asian American Journalist Association

Location : Austin, TX 

Program Length : One week

Cost : Free 

Start Date : August 3, 2024

Application Deadline : March 1, 2024

JCamp is a national journalism workshop for high school students. It runs for six days, during which students from diverse cultures come to learn from veteran journalists and leading media executives. 

Expect hands-on training, including multiplatform news packages for the program’s news site, JCamp Live, interactive workshops, and field trips. A requirement to be selected is an apparent keen interest in broadcasting, magazines, newspapers, photojournalism, or online media. 

5. Juniper Young Writers Writing Lab at the University of Massachusetts 

Location : Amherst, MA 

Program Length : Two weeks 

Cost : $2,500 

Start Date : July 29, 2024

Application Deadline: March 7, 2024

The University of Massachusetts offers a two-week residential summer writing program at the Juniper Institute for Young Writers . During this program, students learn about writing concepts through lectures, fiction workshops, and writing prompts. They will participate in writing labs, craft sessions, writer’s life talks, readings, and write-alongs.

In addition, students will visit destinations associated with the writers, poets, and activists who made Western Mass their home. Seasoned instructors are available to answer your questions about creative writing. A bonus is the first-hand look at college life during this residential program on the University of Massachusetts campus.

6. Smith College Creative Writing Workshop at Smith College

Location : Northampton, MA 

Cost : $4,745

Start Date : July 6, 2024

Application Deadline : May 2024

Smith’s Creative Writing Workshop creates an avenue to explore writing in a creative and supportive environment. If you are passionate about creative writing, this program will enhance your love of writing. 

The classes employ a multi-draft writing model that embraces the unpredictability that occurs when we stop trying to control our writing. You learn a flexible writing approach that eliminates writer’s block and gives you access to your full creativity.

You also learn how to edit your work and others’ work. At the end of the program, you will have a budding online writing portfolio, an anthology with writing samples from all students, and professional contacts in the literary world.

7. Reynolds Young Writer’s Workshop at Denison University

Location : Granville, OH 

Cost : $1,500

Eligibility : Grade 11-12 students

Start Date : June 22, 2024

Application Deadline :  March 1, 2024

Denison University hosts a writer's workshop every year where core faculty members teach each student. The training begins with an introduction to the fundamentals and the depths of creative writing across the genres. Classes include writing exercises, short reading assignments, and craft discussions. 

Aside from writing workshops, you can meet with faculty members to discuss your work, aspirations, and writing goals. Not only the faculty members, you also get to meet and connect with acclaimed poets and writers.

During leisure, you can participate in cultural and recreational opportunities in Granville and Columbus. These include excursions 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 

Location : Greensburg, PA 

Cost: $1,500

Start Date : July 24, 2024

Application Deadline : April 15, 2024

The Alpha workshop for high school students teaches students how to write stories in the sci-fi, horror, and fantasy genres. You learn how to generate and convert ideas into a draft. You also learn how to submit to professionals, attack revisions, and build a career in writing.

Alpha selects 20 students with significant experience in writing. Although the workshop is held at the University of Pittsburgh Greensburg, the university has no affiliation with Alpha Workshop For Young Writers Inc.

9. Liberal Arts Intensive at Barnard College

Location : Broadway, NY 

Program Length : Seven weeks

Cost : $13,724 for residents and $9,434 for commuters.

Application Deadline : March 10, 2024

The liberal arts intensive summer program covers several writing courses, including the Art of the Essay, reading, and writing workshops. The Art of Essay course includes discussions about cogent subject matters. 

Students get to write three types of essays that center on personal experience as valuable evidence of more significant phenomena or patterns. All activities aim to hone your observing, questioning, describing, analyzing, and persuading skills. 

High school females can also benefit from the course that teaches feminist life writing and women's fairy tales. In the end, you earn three college credits. You can use the credits at Barnard or transfer them to any college or university that accepts credit transfers.

10. Pre-College Experience at Emory University

Location : Atlanta, GA 

Cost : $4,803 for residents and $3,435 for commuters.

Start Date : June 16, 2024

Application Deadline : May 17, 2024

Emory University hosts high school students for different courses, including creative writing, during the summer. 

It is an introductory poetry course that analyzes a wide range of contemporary poems to develop the skills necessary for generating original poems. This summer school course includes poetry reading and a class chapbook production featuring every student's work. 

11. Pre-College Creative Writers Workshop at Emerson College

Program Length : Four weeks

Cost : $4,310

Application Deadline : March 15, 2024

Emerson College’s Creative Writers Workshop is one of the best creative summer programs for high school students. This workshop helps develop writing skills through intensive coursework that offers fiction, comedy, prose, scriptwriting, and performance poetry courses. 

You will write, revise, and compile a portfolio of your work, which is an addition to your college application. It comprises a series of faculty readings, literary hangouts, and open mic nights, all in a bid to learn how to collaborate with other writers. 

12. Hoya Summer Sessions at Georgetown University

Location : Washington, DC 

Cost : $6,159

Application Deadline: May 15, 2024

Hoya Summer Session is an intensive writing and culture course that accepts 15 students. These students will learn how to use writing as a tool for inquiry. Their training will teach them to read critically, focusing on language, context, and form. 

Students will understand how to write for different rhetorical situations, taking note of the genre, context, and technology. Also, you learn the intricacies of language use, including grammar, punctuation, syntax, and semantics. 

You learn to research, evaluate, and synthesize appropriate evidence to build effective analyses and arguments. The training also entails navigating new forms of communication, for example, the social media platforms that spring up regularly.

13. Sewanee Young Writers' Conference at Education Unlimited 

Location : Sewanee, TN 

Program Length: Two weeks

Cost : $2575 

Start Date : June 30, 2024

Application Deadline : February 16, 2024

The SYWC is a summer conference for high schoolers passionate about creative writing. Within two weeks, you will read, cultivate your writing, and form a community with other young writers worldwide. 

The courses cover the following genres: fiction, poetry, literary nonfiction, songwriting, fantasy, and science fiction. When students are not reading, they are in book discussions or optional craft classes. 

Outside writing activities, students take guided hikes on Sewanee's 13,000-acre domain, sing karaoke, participate in talent shows, play board games, or hang out with friends in the dorm.

14. Emerging Writers Institute Creative Writing Camp

Location : Berkeley, CA 

Cost : $995 

Start Date : June 10, 2024

Application Deadline : April 29, 2024

The Emerging Writers Institute creative writing camp provides an experience for students to develop and support their imaginative writing across literary genres. The genres include fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. 

Students undergo intensive workshops, literary outings, one-on-one instructor evaluations, group editing sessions, and creative work presentations.

Experienced authors and instructors are on the ground to help young writers hone their craft in a collaborative environment. Also, young writers worldwide will form and sustain literary friendships that can last a lifetime. 

15. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio at the University of Iowa

Location : Iowa City, IA 

Application Deadline : February 4, 2024

Students in the Summer Residential Program take an immersive course within two weeks. These courses are taught by graduates of the renowned Iowa Writers' Workshop . 

You can choose from fiction writing, poetry writing, creative writing (which includes some combination of poetry, fiction, and personal essays), TV writing, and playwriting. Students will participate in writing exercises, receiving constructive criticism from teachers and peers. 

They’ll also conduct craft workshops, engage in discussions on writing-adjacent subjects (such as literary translation, film, and mental health), organize readings by existing published writers, and facilitate collaborative projects among students.

16. Pre-College Writing and Culture Program at Carnegie Mellon University

Location : Pittsburgh, PA 

Cost : $8,995 for residents and $6,800 for commuters 

Start Date: June 22, 2024

At CMU , high school students explore writing, culture, and film through traditional, historical, and contemporary lenses. You will learn critical and creative thinking, which will cause you to write effectively for college and beyond. You also gain a toolkit that helps you interpret written and visual stories from different viewpoints.

Upon completion, you will produce a body of works containing short-form writing, film development and production, and preparatory materials to help you set a strong foundation in the humanities. This program adds individualized feedback and guidance, increasing your strengths and interests. 

17. Beginning Screenwriting Program at Loyola Marymount University

Location : Los Angeles, CA 

Cost : $5,800

Start Date : June 23, 2024

In the heart of the entertainment capital, the Beginning Screenwriting program stands out as one of the best summer writing programs for high school students in the U.S. The teachers are experienced screenwriters.

These instructors teach the basic elements of screenwriting and broaden their writing skills. The training explores structure, character development, dialogue, descriptive action, and formatting in a supportive workshop environment. 

18. Pre-College Summer School Program at Harvard University

Location : Cambridge, MA 

Cost : $5,550

Application Deadline : April 10, 2024

The Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program is a two-week summer program offering high school students a Speech, Writing, and Literature course. If you seek to pursue a career in writing, you should take this course. 

This course covers creative writing, English, expository writing, journalism, and speech. Students can expect to build valuable academic skills and learn to live independently on a college campus.

19. The Multicultural Journalism Program (MJP) at the University of Alabama

Location : Tuscaloosa, AL 

Start Date : TBA

Application: Deadline: April 1, 2024

While students are still in high school, the University of Alabama selects 10 to 15 students to attend an intensive workshop in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The workshop emphasizes writing, editing, graphics, multimedia reporting, and basic communication skills. 

The workshop begins from day one under the direction of the faculty and visiting professionals. At the end of the program, participants showcase their work via an MJP Journal, a newspaper, and a website. 

The tutors are journalists from around the state and are paired with each student. Many tutors contact their assigned youngsters throughout the year and into their careers. 

20. Tisch’s Future Dramatic Writers Workshop at New York University 

Eligibility : Grade 9-11 students

Start Date : July 4, 2024

Application Deadline : February 1, 2024

The Dramatic Writers Workshop gives students a glimpse of what it means to study and write drama. It is a free, highly focused academic and professional writing program for students with the talent and the will to write for theatre, film, and television. 

The schedule includes professional training in Dance, Drama, Production and design, Dramatic Writing, and Filmmaking. The Tisch Summer High School Program is tuition-based, and students earn about four to six college credits.

21. Yale Young Writers’ Workshop at Yale University 

Location : Online 

Cost : $950 

Start Date : July 7, 2024

Yale Young Writers' work is yet another one of the creative writing summer programs for high school students to look out for. A group of bookish wordsmiths come together to generate and share their work in an intimate, non-competitive, online community. 

There are three genres (fiction, nonfiction, or poetry) to choose from, each with twelve writers. Participants attend talks, open mics, and student readings and learn about careers in writing. 

Participants will read one assigned book from a visiting writer at the start of the workshop to investigate writing techniques. The faculty has gifted teachers and published writers who will challenge students to produce their best work.

22. Young Writer’s Summer Residential Workshop at Kenyon College

Location : Gambier, OH 

Start Date : July 23, 2024

At Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops , 12 to 14 passionate high school students come together to stretch their talents, discover new strengths, and challenge themselves. This program combines individual conferences with peer-led group discussions and exercises.

The aim is to help students recognize and work on their writing skills. You will also be able to participate in a genre session where one genre or element of writing will be explored in-depth. 

23. Young Writers Workshop at Bard College

Location : Great Barrington, MA 

Program Length : 3 weeks

Cost : $3,500

Instead of focusing only on the writing style, this three-week writers workshop at Bard College focuses on enhancing language and thinking skills, which are key skills for effective writing. You will engage in reading and writing activities within small groups of 12. 

In the workshop, you will read various challenging texts to examine form, content, and evolving ideas in our world. Evening revising and journal writing assignments complement the daily readings and writing activities. 

You build a portfolio in the end. But much more than that, You will learn how to find your writing voice and style. 

24. Creative Writing Studio at Auburn University

Location : Auburn, AL 

Cost : $880

Application Deadline : April 2024

Creative Writing Studio at Auburn University is dedicated to feeding the passionate muse and sharpening your writing skills in three genres – fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. 

You will participate in workshops and writing craft classes to help you create original fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. Also, you will read some established work pieces daily, with an eye toward the architecture of how they are made. 

They offer a tour of how a literary journal, the acclaimed Southern Humanities Review, works. Expect to experience campus life in Auburn's resident dormitories while you enjoy evening social and recreational activities.

25. Screenwriting Institute at Wake Forest University 

Location : Winston-Salem, NC 

Cost : $2,800

The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Screenwriting Institute is an unforgettable experience for students interested in screenwriting and storytelling. It is a week-long program designed to teach the art and craft of writing screenplays for film, television, and/or video games. You will learn how to write your screenplay and create two short original screenplays by the end of the week.

FAQs: 25 Best High School Summer Writing Programs in 2024

Summer writing programs are great investments for high school students. Here are answers to some other questions you may have. 

1. How Do Summer Writing Programs Benefit High School Students?

Summer writing programs offer numerous benefits to high school students. Firstly, they allow students to enhance their writing skills in a focused and immersive environment. These programs expose students to different styles of writing, literary works, and discussions about the craft of writing. It offers them a platform to improve their writing skills and build a supportive community of fellow writers.

2. Are There Specific Eligibility Criteria for High School Students to Join Summer Writing Programs?

Yes. Eligibility criteria for summer writing programs vary depending on the specific program. Most programs have age restrictions or grade-level requirements. It’s important to carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined by each program and ensure you meet any specified requirements before applying. 

3. How Can Participating in a Summer Writing Program Enhance a High School Student's College Applications?

Joining a summer writing program boosts college applications, showing your love for literature and creativity. It's great for English, creative writing, or journalism interests. You'll create a portfolio, proving your skills for admissions committees.

Final Thoughts

Summer programs set you apart in college application, particularly at highly selective schools. Now that you have a list of the top summer writing programs for high school students, start preparing your application materials. 

Materials include transcripts, application essays, letters of recommendation, or sample writing materials. If you need financial aid, ensure that you apply before the application deadline. While at it, check out this list of internship opportunities for high school students.

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Top 10 Summer Writing Programs for High School Students

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If you are a high school student interested in enhancing your writing skills over the summer, look no further. Scholarships360 has you covered with our picks for top 10 writing summer camps for high school students. Let’s dive right in!

What is a summer writing program?

A summer writing program offers high school students interested in different types of writing to immerse themselves in the field. These programs range from creative writing, to playwriting, to poetry, and everything in between. 

Why we selected the following writing programs

We chose a diverse range of writing summer camps for high school students that vary in price, location, and academic focus. These are definitely not all of the writing programs that are in existence, but we wanted to name a few that impressed us.

A note on application deadlines and program dates

Application deadlines and program dates vary from program to program because these are all at different institutions, all over the country. We will do our best to keep these dates updated, so if a program that you are interested in currently says “TBD”, check back in a few weeks and the program may have released that information!

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Top 10 summer writing programs for high schoolers, 1. iowa young writers’ studio.

The Iowa Young Writers’ Studio is a two-week session located at the University of Iowa campus or online. The two programs run at the same time, and there are two different date options for students to choose from. With this program, students select their primary focus throughout the program– fiction writing, poetry writing, or creative writing. 

• Program benefits : Readings by published writers; workshops on process and aspects of craft; discussions on writing-adjacent subjects (literary translation, film, revision, mental health); collaborative projects to allow small groups of students to work together; as well as open mics, talent shows, icebreakers, and social gatherings
• Application deadline: February 4th, 2024
• Session 1: June 16-29, 2024
• Session 2: July 14-27, 2024
• Cost: The in-person program is $2,500, and the online program is $575

2. Interlochen Center for the Arts Camp Creative Writing Programs

Interlochen Center for the Arts is a prestigious arts center for students of all ages who are interested in various types of arts to hone in on their craft. The Camp Creative Writing Programs are for high school students of all ages. Campers choose between four different tracks– Comics and Graphic Narratives Intensive, Creative Writing Program, Novel Writing Intensive, or Performance Poetry Intensive. The focus below is the broadest category, the Creative Writing Program. This three week intensive allows students to immerse themselves in the world of writing. 

• Program benefits : Genre workshops in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and playwriting; placed in classes outside of comfort zones to learn more about different genres; reading showcase; guest artists and speakers
• Application deadline: January 15th, 2023, for both sessions
• Session 1: June 23, 2024 to July 13, 2024
• Session 2: July 14, 2024 to August 4, 2024
• Cost: $6,765

3. Sarah Lawrence College Writer’s Week: A Creative Writing & Performance Arts Workshop

The Sarah Lawrence Creative Writing and Performance Arts Workshop is offered both online and in person. The in-person workshop is a day camp, not a residential program. Each day of the program, students attend writing workshops led by poets, prose writers, and performance artists. The program also includes faculty led workshops and meetings, as well as a celebration of student work at the end of the program. 

• Program benefits : Work with distinguished faculty and graduate students, generating materials to share, collaboration with peers, learning to revise and edit. 
• Application deadline: TBD, registration opens in February
• Virtual session: July 15 – 19, 2024
• In-Person session: August 5 – 9, 2024
• July Session (Virtual) $1,025 ($100 deposit)
• August Session (On Campus) $1,550 ($200 deposit)

4. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Writing and Culture Program

The Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Writing and Culture Program is a six-week high school summer program where students immerse themselves in writing, film, design, art, and culture. This program teaches students how to properly tell a story, regardless of what their story may be. Applicants must be sophomores or juniors in high school at the time of the application submission. There are opportunities to receive scholarships for this program as well, which is something to keep in mind while applying. 

• Program benefits : Opportunities to explore some of Pittsburgh’s world-class museums, access to the Carnegie Mellon Archives and Fine and Rare Book Rooms, mentorship and networking opportunities.
• Application deadline : Early decision deadline is February 1st, 2024, regular decision deadline is March 1st, 2024
• Program dates: June 22nd – July 20th, 2024
• Residential: $8,995
• Commuter: $6,800

Related: Top writing and essay scholarships

5. Denison University Reynolds Young Writers Workshop

The Reynolds Young Writers Workshop based out of Denison University in Granville, Ohio is an eight-day residential writing program that helps to immerse students in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction writing. This program is open to students who have completed their sophomore or junior year of high school who have an interest in writing. Generous financial assistance is available to those who need it.  

• Program benefits : Group sessions, hands-on work with Denison faculty and staff, notable visiting writers
• Application deadline: March 1st, 2024 at 11:59 PM
• Program dates: June 22 – 29, 2024
• Cost: $1,500

6. Alpha– The Young Writers Workshop

Alpha – The Young Writers Workshop is a 12-day writing workshop for students ages 14-19 located on the University of Pittsburgh Greensburg campus. Not only will students immerse themselves in their writing and have the opportunity to hone in on that skill, but they will also learn more about the technical side of writing– submitting for publication, editing, and receiving feedback. Alpha also offers scholarships for those who may need them. 

• Program benefits : Ample time spent with influential professors, opportunities for brainstorming workshops, professional writer presentations, lectures. 
• Application deadline : March 10th, 2024
• Program dates : July 24 – August 4, 2024

Don’t miss: Top free summer programs for high school students

7. Loyola Marymount University- Beginning Screenwriting Program

The Loyola Marymount University Beginning Screenwriting Program is a hands-on two-week program located on the campus of one of the nation’s best film schools. Students learn the basics of the script developing process, gain a deeper understanding of cinematic storytelling, and enhance their writing skills. The first program dates are for eligible high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The second program dates are for juniors and seniors only. 

• Program benefits : Opportunity for hands-on experiences within Los Angeles’ film industry, touring local film or television studio”
• Application deadline : March 15th, 2024
• Session 1: June 23-July 6, 2024
• Session 2: July 14-July 27, 2024
• Cost : $5,800 with a $65 application fee

8. Georgetown University Creative Writing Academy

The Georgetown University Creative Writing Academy is a week-long writing academy for high school students of all ages. During this academy, students have the opportunity to work on and present a capstone project, which can be on various topics and within various subject areas. This academy focuses largely on the publishing aspects of creative writing. 

• Program benefits : Readings from published authors, work with Georgetown faculty and staff, field trips, group discussions
• Application deadline : The “Early Bird” deadline is January 31st, 2024, and the Final deadline is May 15th, 2024
• Program dates: July 14th – 20th, 2024
• Cost :$3,389, includes tuition, housing, and meals

9. Emerson Writes

The Emerson Writes is an on-campus program that focuses on topics such as fiction, prose, scriptwriting, comedy writing, graphic novel writing, and performance poetry. This program offers students opportunities to create and revise their personal writing portfolio. 

• Program benefits : Work with highly regarded faculty writers, participate in literary hangouts, participate in “final reading” at the conclusion of the program
• Application deadline : TBD, not yet open
• Program dates : Depending on which courses you choose to take, the schedule varies, but the first class starts in September 2024
• Cost : Free

Also see: How to rock the summer before your senior year

10. Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program

The last entry on our list of writing summer camps for high school students is also one of the most prestigious. The Harvard Pre-College Summer School Program is a two-week summer program that offers over 100 non-credit courses for high school students to take part in. The Speech, Writing, and Literature topic is a great option for students who want to pursue a career in writing or just want to develop their craft. This topic offers multiple different courses, such as creative writing, English, expository writing, journalism, and speech. The program also offers some financial aid for qualifying students. 

• Program benefits : Build valuable academic skills, learn to live independently on a college campus, take sample college courses
• Early Application and Priority Financial Aid Deadline — January 10, 2024
• Regular Application and Financial Aid Deadline — February 14, 2024
• Late Application Deadline — April 10, 2024
• Session I: June 23 – July 5, 2024
• Session II: July 7 – 19, 2024
• Session III: July 21 – August 2, 2024
• Cost : $5,550 + $75 application fee

Don’t miss: High school checklist: Freshman through senior year

• Now that you’ve got some writing summer camps for high school students in mind, start preparing your application materials! This may include application essays , letters of recommendation , transcripts, or sample writing materials
• Apply for program scholarships if needed
• Write! Bring your writing samples with you, as you never know when you might need them
• Don’t forget that Scholarships360 offers all the resources you need as you continue your education! It’s never too early to learn about extracurricular activities and when to start applying to colleges ! 

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Iowa Young Writers' Studio

Creative writing programming for high school students

2-week Summer Residential Program and 6-week Online Courses

2-Week Summer Residential Program

At the Summer Residential Program, you will choose a single core course—Poetry, Fiction, Creative Writing, Playwriting, or TV writing—as your focus for the two weeks of the program.

6-week Online Courses

We offer asynchronous 6-week online creative writing courses for high school students every winter and summer.   You can study creative writing with us your own schedule, from anywhere in the world!

Teachers and Counselors

Teachers and counselors at the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio are chosen, with rare exceptions, from among the students and graduates of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa.

Experience the Iowa Young Writers' Studio

Watch this short video for an inside look at the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio experience.

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IYWS counselor and teacher Melissa Mogollon to publish debut novel, "Oye."

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IYWS ’11 Student Alina Grabowski To Publish Debut Novel

NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement is an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, an independent, Iowa nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported charitable entity working to advance the University of Iowa. Please review its full disclosure statement.

2024 Summer Schedule Now Open!

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Writing Summer Camps for High School Students

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Specialties

The Emerging Writers Institute™  creative writing camp is a summer writing program for teens. Rising 10th-12th graders experience a unique curriculum designed to develop and support students’ imaginative writing across literary genres. Immersive workshops in fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry encourage students to challenge themselves technically and artistically as they discover their own literary voices. Through our intensive MFA-style workshops and engaging literary outings, EWI offers a rigorous and challenging writing experience for students. Supported by the guidance of experienced authors and instructors, young writers hone their craft in a collaborative environment. Students will learn through guided daily writing workshops, one-on-one instructor evaluations, group editing sessions, and creative presentations of their work. Our unique program lets young writers from around the world form and sustain literary friendships that can last a lifetime.  The program culminates in students presenting their work and having it published in our literary anthology.  

Note:  In order to attend the EWI, students must demonstrate their potential as writers by submitting a creative writing sample in any of the four major areas of focus. This program assumes that its students possess a significant understanding of the English language and are prepared to employ this familiarity in inspired and inventive ways. Students should be writing at or above grade level and be eager to continue to hone their literary skills and voice.  

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Education Unlimited offers both in-person and online options of its popular Emerging Writers Curriculum.

Online: online emerging writers 10-12 attendees may choose between three majors: fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.  students may repeat the course up to three times during the summer doing each of the three majors once.  the online courses are each one week in length. to learn more about the online version of this program, click here . in-person:  in-person emerging writers 10-12 courses are each two weeks in length and will be held at uc berkeley, stanford, and ucla in summer 2024.  during the course, students will explore all three majors (fiction, non-fiction, and poetry), but will select one major to focus on.  they will complete their final capstone work in this area.   please read below to find out more about our on-campus emerging writers program. .

Emerging Writers Institute creative writing camp is a two-week summer writing program for teens. Rising 10th-12th graders experience a unique curriculum designed to develop and support students’ imaginative writing across literary genres. This creative writing summer program encourages students to challenge themselves technically and artistically through guided daily writing workshops, one-on-one instructor evaluations, group editing sessions, and creative presentations of their work. Similar to our program for younger writers, students are challenged through small group seminars. In these seminars, and at daily writing workshops, students investigate the fundamentals of storytelling and discover how to read like writers. Writers will also read and experiment with new sub-genres in a safe, exploratory environment. Scheduled writing time and one-on-one instructor evaluations help students develop good writing habits that will serve them year-round. By the end of the two-week , students will share polished pieces for publication in our literary anthology.  Copies of the anthology will be mailed to families at the end of the summer. 

What makes our summer creative writing programs so distinctive?

With a curricular emphasis on expressive writing as a process rather than in rules or formulas - students will discover and refine their own voices

The inclusion of critical reading exercises as an essential tool for growth

Seminars to ready students' work for professional submission to youth publications, such as The Claremont Review, The Writer's Slate, Stone Soup, and Teen Ink

Specific Skill Development

This creative writing summer program encourages students to challenge themselves technically and artistically through guided daily writing workshops, one-on-one instructor evaluations, group editing sessions, and creative presentations of their work. Emphasis is placed on expressive writing as a process rather than in rules or formulas. Instructors consistently encourage students to discover and refine their own unique voices. We know that successful writers are also critical and voracious readers; as a result, the inclusion of reading exercises and analysis are woven into the program as an essential tool for growth.

Curriculum & Environment

Students have three blocks in the day. The first block is called Read Like a Writer; Write Like a Reader. They build skills, do generative writing exercises, read mentor texts, and practice with different types of voices and styles. The second block is called Genre Exploration where students learn about, read and try out the writing of different sub-genres, such as Science Fiction and Thriller. Finally, each day ends with Writers Block, where students work on their capstone piece, have one on one conferences with their instructor, and workshop their piece with peers.

This Year's Writers Blocks

In EWI, Students select a major focus area called a Writer’s Block. In each Writer’s Block, students read classic and contemporary examples of the genre, craft and hone their writing composition, and prepare to present their piece to an audience of readers and listeners.

• Short and Sweet: Short Story Seminar (includes playwrighting) 
• Well-Versed: Poetry Seminar
• The Real Word: Nonfiction Seminar

For maximum options in summer 2024, this program will be offered in-person at West coast locations, as well as online!

To register for the Emerging Screenwriters Institute, please follow the below steps

• Click "Apply Now" on the top right of this screen.
• Follow the prompts to enter parent and student information on screens 1 and 2.
• On screen 3, select the following options:
• Camp Category: Emerging Writers Institute
• Camp Name: Emerging Writers Institute 10-12
• Camp Session: Select the Session you prefer
• Camp Major: Select a Camp Major: Fiction/Non-Fiction/Poetry
• Price Option: Select Online Camp, Extended Day Camp or Overnight Camp

Price Options for Emerging Writers Institute 10th-12th

Click here for a downloadable information sheet. 

Don’t see a class you want in your time zone? Check other time zones to flexibly fit your needs!

*Poetry and Non-Fiction courses may run 11am to 5pm EST and 8-4pm PST in order to merge Pacific and Eastern time zone students.

*Schedule subject to change - Final schedule posted in Google Classroom the Wednesday prior to the start of class.

Education Unlimited believes in small-group, immersive learning with subject matter experts and experienced teachers. We strive to provide industry-leading instruction to all of our students and hold all staff to the highest possible standards. Staff assignments vary by program and location. Some of our recent staff members for this program include:

Elizabeth Bull, MFA - Camp Director

Elizabeth Bull is a writer and filmmaker. Her writing has been published in various journals, including the Los Angeles Review of Books, H.O.W. Journal, Third Coast Magazine, and Gulf Coast; her work has been nominated for two Pushcart Prizes.  Her involvement in television and film began at AMC Networks, where she worked in original series development during the creation of “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad.” In addition to writing and directing several short films, she co-wrote the feature film “Song of Sway Lake,” released in the fall of 2017. Elizabeth has also co-produced two feature films and a television series for Fuse.

Elizabeth received her Bachelor’s degree from the School of Theater, Film, and Television at the University of California Los Angeles. She also holds a Master in Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing (Fiction) from The New School in New York City.  In addition, she has studied directing at the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design, and Technology in Dublin, Ireland on a Rotary International Fellowship.  She has taught writing at the University of Zadar in Croatia on a Fulbright Fellowship.  Elizabeth has been with Education Unlimited since 2010.

Patrick McHugh, MFA - Instructor

Patrick McHugh is a native Arizonan with a background in English literature, creative writing, and critical theory. He is a graduate of Arizona State University's Barrett Honors College with a degree in English literature. Patrick received his Master's degree in English literature from the University at Buffalo. Experienced in a wide variety of classroom settings, Patrick initially taught at SIAS International University in Henan, China before returning to Arizona. While in the states he has worked with EU as an Assistant Director, A+ Middle School English teacher, and taught creative writing at the Emerging Writers Institute for both middle school and high school students. He previously taught 6th grade English for BASIS Phoenix. Currently, Patrick is serving as an adjunct faculty in the English department at Grand Canyon University, with a focus on English Composition courses for freshman students. He is passionate about guiding each student using their own voices and talents, fostering unique reading and writing skills as well as empowering critical thinking. On a personal level, Patrick is a devoted music lover and performs as a clarinet player, drummer, and electronic composer. He also indulges his interests in contemporary art and 21st-century literature.

Ploy Pirapokin is a writer and instructor currently teaching Nonfiction for the Creative Nonfiction Foundation.  She is also an adjunct instructor for the University of Los Angeles Extension program and does freelance training for The Writer, a global brand language agency.  Ploy has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and English from the University of San Diego.  During her time at SFSU, Ploy lectured in Creative Writing and also worked as a Creative Writing Admissions Reader for the MFA and MA program.

Ploy’s own work has been featured in Tor.com, Apogee Journal, Entropy Magazine, the Bellingham Review, HYPHEN Magazine and more.  She has received multiple Pushcart Prize nominations for her work. She is a Writing by Writers Workshop at Tomales Bay fellow, a Community of Writers at Squaw Valley scholar, and was a Visiting Writer at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center.  She has been the recipient of grants and fellowships from the San Francisco Arts Commission, the Ragdale Foundation, the Anderson Center, the Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts, Kundiman and others.

Brett Shanley, PhD, MFA - Instructor

Brett Shanley is a writer and English lecturer who earned his PhD at Columbia University in New York City.  Prior to his doctoral work, Brett received his Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing - Nonfiction from The New School in NYC.  In addition to his dissertation research, which looks at methods of promoting sincere engagement between undergraduate writers and the work that they produce, Brett lectures in advanced writing at Pace University.  Brett has been teaching in the classroom and at academic camps since 2012, and it was these experiences that inspired his dissertation topic. He has been an instructor with Education Unlimited since 2014, teaching both creative and academic writing.

In addition to his advanced degrees, Brett also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and German from University of Oregon.  In the rare moments that Brett is not working on his research or teaching, his favorite thing to do is enjoy time in New York City’s famed Central Park with his fiance and their dog Huxley.

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• Elementary Camps

UCLA Writing Project 2024 Summer Camps for Students

We at the UCLA Writing Project are excited to announce our 2024 summer programs for students entering grades 5-12 in fall 2024. This year we are pleased to offer two sessions for you to choose from, the first on campus, the second virtual.

Our promise:  We’ll continue to give students exquisite attention, and they’ll experience pleasure and joy as they find the best words to capture their thoughts.

Just what will happen during the workshop activities for students enrolled in Crafting The Story – Grades 5-6 , Literary Adventures – Grades 7-8 , and College-Ready Writing – Grades 9-12 ? Simply put, students will grow dramatically as writers. They’ll expand their stylistic repertoires, focus on a particular genre—but try out several others.  They’ll draft short and long pieces and gain confidence as they develop their individual style.  By the end of the workshop time, students will think of themselves as writers—a big deal!

And what about the entering twelfth graders in the College Personal Essay workshop ? They meet for just 12 hours over a four-day period. And that’s the perfect amount of time for zeroing in on the challenging and exciting task at hand: showing in what ways their hard work has translated to insightful understandings and how their experiences have built character.

What else should you know?

Our teachers are all UCLA Writing Project fellows.  This means that they participated in our Invitational Writing Project , a leadership institute that gathers wonderful teachers of writing PK-University—to share their expertise through demonstration workshops, to refine their own writer’s craft, to pay good attention to social justice issues in schools and communities.  They are teachers who love to write and to guide young students to grow as thinkers, readers and writers.

More still:

• All classes will offer students appreciation, support, structure—and fun!
• The day will combine whole group class time, small group sharing with peers, individual writing time.
• Those classes scheduled to be virtual will have synchronous and asynchronous components.
• All students will also have time to interact with their teacher one-on-one.
• Students in the two-week workshops will craft an anthology of selected writing. They will also receive a certificate commending their participation.

We hope to see you this summer!

Faye Peitzman, Ph.D. UCLA Writing Project Director

Crafting the Story – Writing Workshop (Rising 5-6th Graders)

Ten-day workshop from 9AM-12PM for students entering 5th-6th grades. Welcome, young writers! Join us for an exciting time of writing, reading and collaborating with fellow students.

Be a Force of Nature: Reading and Writing about the Environment – Writing Workshop (Rising 7-8th Graders)

Ten-day writing workshop from 9am -12pm for students entering 7th-8th grades. Two sessions: in-person at UCLA or online.

College-Ready Writing: Personal and Academic, Both! (Rising 9-12th Graders)

Writing workshop from 9am-12pm for students entering grades 9-12. Learn how to organize, develop and refine your writing, and how to find your academic voice. Two sessions: in -person at UCLA or online.

Writing the College Application Personal Essay Workshop (Rising 12th Graders)

Four-day workshop for students entering grade 12. Try your hand at a variety of application topics, explore the role of style, and analyze sample personal statements.

Online Writing Workshop – Crafting the Story (Rising 5-6th Graders)

Online writing workshop – literary adventures (rising 7-8th graders), online college-ready writing: personal and academic, both (rising 9-12th graders).

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Nancy Lee Sayre , Program Manager

Faye Peitzman , Director

Upcoming Events for Teachers

Teaching writing to multilingual english learners – teaching narrative writing, improving student writing: lessons and strategies to aid in writing improvement throughout the year, teaching writing to multilingual english learners – teaching analytical writing—literary analysis, teaching writing to multilingual english learners – teaching argument writing: synthesizing multiple sources, summer events for students.

Yale Young Writers' Workshop

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About the Yale Young Writers' Workshop 

Virtual high school program: july 7 - 12, 2024.

Yale is excited to offer a one-week online summer writing workshop for 16 - 18 year old rising high school juniors, and seniors. We’re seeking bookish wordsmiths interested in adding to their writerly toolbox! Writers will generate and share their work in an intimate, non-competitive, online community.

Writers choose from one of three genres: fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. We have capped the workshops at twelve writers per genre to ensure all voices are heard. Participants attend talks on the craft of writing, open mics, faculty and visiting author readings, student readings, and learn about careers in writing.

Each day starts with a craft talk from a visiting writer followed by a small group workshop for three hours in the afternoon. The craft talks expose writers to genres outside of their own. The workshop is a safe creative space to experiment, play, and develop storytelling skills. Students will generate new material and then read it back to the group for feedback with an eye for revision.

Participants will read one assigned book from a visiting writer prior to the start of the workshop. This will create a shared literature and allow students to investigate writing techniques from published work, and then have the opportunity to ask the author about their creative process.

Our faculty are gifted teachers and published writers. They will meet writers where they are and teach them skills to help them write their next story, essay, or poem. Our faculty may be the closest readers you’ve ever had. They will challenge writers to produce their best work.

Before You Begin the Program:

• Your instructor will assign a short exercise for you to complete before the first workshop.
• You’ll be assigned one book to read by a visiting writer. The writer will present and then visit with your genre group. Book assignments below.
• Start writing now in your journal. Activate your muse in preparation for your workshop.

Guest Authors . Writers are required to read the book for their workshop but are welcome to read all visiting authors’ work.

Poetry Guest Author - Allison Joseph  Assigned Reading Confessions of a Barefaced Woman  (For Sean Forbes, Catherine Pierce and Summer Tate's workshops)

Fiction Guest Author - Jennifer McCauley  Assigned Reading When Trying to Return Home  (For Jotham Burrello, Kristin Bair, Sarah Darer Littman and Lara Ehrlich's workshops)

Graphic Forms Guest Author - Trung Le Capecchi-Nguyen  Assigned Reading The Magic Fish  (For Anne Thalheimer's workshop)

Non-Fiction Guest Author - Jane Wong Assigned Reading This Is the Place: Women Writing About Home  (For Catina Bacote’s workshop)

• Application Opens: January 16, 2024
• Application Deadline: April 1, 2024
• Decisions Released: will be released on a Rolling Amissions Basis Every Week
• Payment Due (to secure your spot): Within 2 weeks of Admission

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be between 16 - 18 years old and a rising high school junior or senior.

Admission Process:

• A writing sample is required. It needs to accompany your application for admission and must be uploaded electronically. Submit your writing sample as a Word document: 500 words, double-spaced in Times Roman, 12-point font, one-inch margins. Each page must include your name. Note genre of the submission: Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry or Graphic Forms.
• 2 Letters of Recommendation 

Refund Policy:

• We will refund 75% for cancellation requests received by April 26, 2024, and 50% for cancellation requests received by May 3, 2024.   We will be unable to honor refund requests received after May 3, 2024.

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Creative Writing Summer Program for High School Students

Why Take Creative Writing

Develop and amplify your writing voice in our immersive program. Guided by an outstanding faculty of published writers, you will experiment with multiple genres, deepen your understanding of the craft, and cultivate the confidence to share your work with the world.

What You'll Learn

During Interlochen's writing camp , you’ll focus intensively on two genres of creative writing. Genre workshops include: 

• Playwriting

In addition to exploring the fundamentals of your chosen genres, you'll discuss a wide range of published works, and craft your own pieces via in-class exercises and roundtable workshops with a class of dedicated peers. You’ll also experience the natural beauty of Northern Michigan via our Environmental Explorations class, attend readings by award-winning faculty and visiting authors, and learn to craft your work for publication and performance. Each session culminates in a camp anthology and student reading. 

Workshop Placement

Students benefit from exposure to a broad range of literary forms. By studying forms outside of your primary genre, you’ll gain new insight into the styles you love most. 

After enrolling, students rank the four genres in order of preference. We’ll do our best to accommodate the top two choices, however, space is limited. We encourage students to submit preferences as soon as possible!

Portfolio Requirements

• SESSION 1: June 23, 2024 to July 13, 2024
• SESSION 2: July 14, 2024 to August 4, 2024
• SESSION 1: Accepting applications
• SESSION 2: Accepting applications

Program Specialties

Fiction Workshop

Learn the fundamentals of narrative craft in addition to cutting-edge experimental techniques being used by contemporary fiction writers. Focus on the fundamental elements of writing short stories. You will explore story structure, point of view, characterization, plot development, setting, dialogue, and revision strategies.

Nonfiction Workshop

Survey a variety of subgenres in the the nonfiction mode, particularly lyric and hybrid essays. Studies in structure, point of view, characterization, temporality, setting, revision strategies, and the subversion of genre conventions and received voices will give students the flexibility to adapt to a wide range of nonfiction genres.

Poetry Workshop

Explore the fundamentals and contemporary techniques of poetic craft in the lyric, narrative, and dramatic modes, with particular attention given to imagery, voice, musicality, lineation, and forms—both received and invented.

Playwriting Workshop

Focus on character creation and dramatic structure. You will write scenes exploring conflict, action, dialogue, motivation, and stage directions while workshopping a scene in class.

"For me, writing feels like a release."

Learn more about Nailah's experience as a Creative Writing high school student at Arts Camp. 

Meet the Faculty

Our creative writing instructors are committed educators and accomplished artists with extensive experience in their disciplines. As mentors, they are dedicated to helping you develop your own unique voice.

Please note the gallery may showcase previous instructors.

All faculty

Megan Baxter

Instructor of Creative Writing

Reina Hardy

AM Ringwalt

Visiting Instructor of Creative Writing

Emily Pittinos

Heather Truett

Instructor of Fiction

Karyna McGlynn, Ph.D.

Director of Creative Writing

Program Highlights

Reading Showcase

The students will participate in a reading showcase in The Writing House Great Room at the end of the program.

Students contribute work to a print anthology that they can take home at the end of their session to remind them of a productive and inspiring summer.

The Writing House

During the three-week sessions, your artistic home will be the The Writing House. This comfortable space provides quiet work areas, ample seating for group projects, and a literary publications room with computer and printing stations. Take a 360-degree virtual tour .

Additional Opportunities

We have additional camp program opportunities for young writers, including our one-week Comics & Graphic Narratives , Performance Writing & Spoken Word , Novel Writing , and Screenwriting intensives.

Interlochen is also home to the Arts Academy boarding high school, which offers a Creative Writing major, as well as a post-graduate year.

Guest Artists

• Aja Gabel, author of The Ensemble
• Kaitlyn Greenidge, Harper's Bizarre features director and author of We Love You, Charlie Freeman
• Lily Hoang, associate professor of literature at University of California San Diego and author of Changing and A Bestiary
• Caitlin Horrocks, professor of creative writing at Grand Valley State University and author of Life Among the Terranauts and This is Not Your City
• Amy Kurzweil, The New Yorker cartoonist and author of Flying Couch
• Sarah Elaine Smith, author of Marilou is Everywhere and I Live in a Hut

This experience at Interlochen has been truly inspiring. I have seen and met so many people who have inspired me to continue with my own writing and explore other creative outlets like drawing and painting. The arts program at my own school is underfunded, so coming here has helped me really immerse myself in the arts.

Alexandra, Creative Writing

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The Best Writing Summer Programs for High School Students

Writing may be a lonely craft, but it is certainly not something that is learned in isolation. 

The best way to improve a student’s writing is to become part of a writing community where constructive feedback and encouragement can help them be the best writer they can be. 

Thankfully, many institutions and universities offer the opportunity to be part of a writing community through their summer programs. 

Many summer programs not only have students work with gifted university faculty, but they also bring students face to face with some of their favorite authors. 

The following list of programs are among the best for a number of different reasons. Some are the best value, and others because of the unique program focuses they offer. But each brings a unique take on training young people in the craft of writing. 

Regardless of why they are the best, each of these writing summer programs offers students a wide range of experience, opportunities, and support in becoming writers of the future. 

BYU’s Young Authors Academy (Provo, UT)

BYU is known for its close association with the LDS church, which brings its commitment to service and community to the university in all areas of academic life. 

As a result, the university has a thriving Young Authors Academy program that middle and high school students can take advantage of during the summer. 

This week-long program allows students to live on the BYU campus, get training from BYU professors, and even meet and speak directly to guest authors. 

Though students don’t have to stay on campus, it can be an enriching experience to live like a BYU student for a week. 

Parents may feel hesitant about their child living like a college student. BYU’s code of conduct makes the Young Authors Academy program one that parents can trust to promote a wholesome and age-appropriate environment. 

Lewis and Clark Fir Acres Writing Workshop (Portland, OR)

Lewis and Clarks’ Fir Acres Writing Workshop takes this spirit of adventure into the realm of writing and guides high school students through a two-week community writing experience. 

Students will strengthen their reading and writing skills with the help of expert faculty while communing with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. 

In addition to living on the beautiful campus, students will get a chance to wander the creative downtown of Portland. 

As students walk the city streets, they will be walking in the footsteps of authors who made Portland home like Ursula Le Guin, Beverly Cleary, and Chuck Palahniuk. 

Lastly, a visit to Portland would be incomplete without a trip to one of the famous Portland spots – Powell’s Bookstore! 

With trips to the city, writing workshops, and wandering the campus, students will have a summer adventure they will think about for years to come at the Fir Acres Writing Workshop. 

LMU’s Pre-College Beginning Screenwriting (Los Angeles, CA)

Loyola Marymount University is known for being one of the top film schools in the US, which is little surprise with it being located in the heart of the entertainment capital. 

Students attending LMU will be in good company with alumni like X-Files co-writer James Wong and James Bond franchise producer Barbara Broccoli.

With this film school backdrop, LMU offers a unique opportunity to young writers who have a passion for the movies – Beginning Screenwriting. 

Students will spend two weeks working closely with faculty screenwriters who have written award-winning movies and tv series. 

By the end of the workshop, students will have developed their storytelling skills, learned to write in a collaborative environment, and have produced a short screenplay of their own making. 

In addition to learning how to write screenplays, students will also have the opportunity to explore the behind-the-scenes process of filmmaking by visiting a local tv or film studio. At LMU, students learn to become writers who can create the magic of movies and tv. 

Iowa Young Writers’ Studio (Iowa City, IA)

The University of Iowa knows a thing or two about excellence, particularly in writing. Out of this excellent writing program is the Young Writers’ Studio. 

High school students will attend the studio for two weeks, focusing on a core writing genre. Through the two weeks, students will be able to work collaboratively with their peers, listen to published authors discuss the craft, and explore areas of writing they haven’t before. 

Iowa has drawn writers since the university’s Writers’ Workshop was established in the 1930s and has a long and successful history of training aspiring authors. 

As a result, Iowa City is known for being the place to be if you are a writer. High school students who want to join the writer’s life will be following a long tradition of writing excellence by joining Iowa’s Young Writers’ Studio . 

Wharton Center’s Young Playwrights Festival (East Lansing, MI)

Though this opportunity is limited to Michigan students, it deserves recognition on the list because of the fantastic opportunity it provides aspiring playwrights. 

The Young Playwrights Festival is hosted by the Wharton Center, which hosts a wide range of live entertainment from plays to concerts. 

The Wharton Center and the MSU theater department work together to hold the annual Young Playwrights Festival, a unique competition connecting students with mentors. 

This event calls on young playwrights to submit their best script with the expectation that if they win, they will be able to work with MSU playwrights to polish and further develop their script. 

But this opportunity isn’t just about improving a student’s writing – it also results in the student being able to see their work come to life. The festival’s winner will have their polished play performed by the MSU theater department on the Wharton Center stage! 

Georgetown’s Creative Writing Academy (Washington, DC)

Georgetown in D.C has a rich pre-college program for high school students looking to prepare themselves for higher education and a career. The university offers students the option to choose from over 20 possible “academies” to attend over 1-3 week periods of time during the summer. 

For writers, the 1-week Creative Writing Academy offers high schoolers the chance to not only polish their skills, but also to learn what it takes to be a professional writer. 

Students will get the chance to work with advisors to find publishing areas for their writing, gain advice on what higher education programs to pursue, and discover how to find funding for writing projects. 

By the end of the program, students will even get the opportunity to publish their work. Georgetown’s literary magazine, Three Stars, features student work annually. A credential like this will look great on a student’s growing portfolio and resume. 

UF’s Summer Media Institute (Gainsville, FL)

Ranked number 5 for being a “Top Public School” in the US by US News and Word Report, and known for being one of the most extensive journalism and communications programs in the US, the University of Florida has a special opportunity to offer students who want to pursue writing in media. 

The Summer Media Institute is a 6-day workshop that draws students from all over. This program is different from the others on this list because it doesn’t require an application process. 

Instead, the program is based on a first-come, first-serve registration process that closes once the student limit is reached. 

Students attending the Summer Media Institute will learn the many different elements of storytelling in the real world. From getting to experience a newsroom to learning to build a story out of data, at UF students will learn that the writing process goes far beyond just writing words on a page.

Sewanee Young Writers’ Conference (Sewanee, TN)

The University of The South, as Sewanee is called, is one of the more picturesque locations on the list. 

Located on 13,000 acres that the university calls the Domain, students who live at and attend the university have the beauty of Tennessee right outside their door. 

This is an integral part of student life, as high schoolers will discover when they come to participate in the Sewanee’s Young Writers’ Conference. 

In addition to writing, reading, discussing, and meeting guest authors, part of the experience is also getting to experience the beauty of the Domain. 

Students who are taking a break from coursework can be found hiking the surrounding trails or going for a swim in nearby Fiery Gizzard. 

One unique feature of this program is a reading list students will need to finish before coming. 

A good writer is a reader, so students who are accepted will get to read the books of that summer’s guest authors. 

This reading will come in handy later when students hear the guest author discuss their work and offer advice for students in their own writing process. 

Being a writer means finding a workspace that inspires and reduces distractions. Students will discover that Sewanee offers both.

Princeton Summer Journalism Program (Princeton, NJ)

Princeton’s reputation reaches far and wide, making its Journalism Program the envy of Summer Programs. 

It is no wonder that students are shocked to find out that the program is free. Even better, the program is free for those who wouldn’t traditionally be able to afford a summer program, let alone an ivy league program. 

Princeton offers students from under-resourced backgrounds a full-ride opportunity to attend their 10-day Summer Journalism Program . Students whose families meet the income requirements and who are in good academic standing at their high school are eligible to go through the application process. 

The program’s goal to create more opportunities in newsrooms for those who wouldn’t usually be able to afford the training includes helping students understand the college application process. 

After a student leaves the program, they will be assigned a Princeton counselor that will assist them through all parts of the college application process no matter where they choose to attend. 

This opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of situation. Students who meet the criteria will thank themselves for investing the time and effort to attend this life-changing program. 

Susquehanna’s Writers’ Workshop (Selinsgrove, PA)

Susquehanna University is known for its commitment to being a green campus, an affordable private university, and producing students who excel. In the last nine years alone, the school has had 12 Fulbright winners and, more recently, has been awarded the STARS Silver accolade for its environmental efforts. 

The university is also known for its Writers’ Workshop . Students who attend the week-long workshop will work with talented faculty like Hasanthika Sirisena , who has won the Juniper Literary Prize for her fiction. Students will also be able to work with Monica Prince , whose “choreopoems” are studied around the US. 

The Writers’ Workshop allows students to immerse themselves in their writing craft to produce works they can take with them. 

But before they leave with their work, students will get the chance to showcase their hard work in two different ways. Students will be able to perform their pieces for their friends and family at the end of the workshop and then publish their compositions in the SWW Anthology . 

Talented faculty, an environmentally friendly campus, and talented peers – these are the makings of a great summer writing program experience. 

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• Career Edge - NYU High School Summer Program

Creative Writing

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This summer, immerse yourself in the craft of creative writing with fellow young authors in a pre-college environment. Learn from an industry expert as you transform your ideas and stories into compelling writing. Develop the techniques that are fundamental to all types of fiction writing—literary fiction, dystopian fantasies, fairy tales, and mysteries—and refine your skills in story structure, character development, description, and dialogue. Students will also experience lectures, interact with noted authors, and receive information on how to turn your passion into a career. Gain exposure to workshopping your writing with constructive feedback, ultimately walking away with a variety of short creative pieces ranging from poems, stories, and scenes, to collage texts and flash fiction.

• High school students who have completed grades 9, 10, or 11
• High school students interested in strengthening creative writing skills

You'll Walk Away With

• Refinement of your creative writing, including narrative arc, world-building, authentic dialogue, and character development
• A portfolio of peer-critiqued short stories
• An NYU transcript showing grade(s) earned upon completion of the course (Please note: No college credit or certificate of completion is granted for this course.)

Available Sessions

• Session 3 Jul 15 - 19, 2024 Mon - Fri 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
• Session 4 Jul 22 - 26, 2024 Mon - Fri 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
• Session 6 Aug 05 - 09, 2024 Mon - Fri 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Information Table

Students from around the world attend NYU summer programs, but only a college prep program like High School Academy provides the opportunity to explore both traditional and emerging career paths.

Projects and short assignments provide take-aways that prepare you for college classroom work, while demonstrating your newly acquired skills.

Career Edge Schedule

Start Date: June 24, 2024 End Date: June 28, 2024

Start Date: July 8, 2024 End Date: July 12, 2024

Start Date: July 15, 2024 End Date: July 19, 2024

Start Date: July 22, 2024 End Date: July 26, 2024

Start Date: July 29, 2024 End Date: August 2, 2024

Start Date: August 5, 2024 End Date: August 9, 2024

International Student Deadline: March 15, 2024 Residential U.S Student Deadline: May 17, 2024 Commuter U.S Student Deadline: June 7, 2024

Application Requirements and Fees

To apply you must have successfully completed grades 9,10, or 11. You must submit the online application, a 250-500 word essay, and an official high school transcript. Essay Topic: Please describe why you would like to take your selected course(s). Please include any previous courses you've taken in this subject or previous experiences with this subject. Give more detail as to why you would like to take this course over the summer. Your response should be 250-500 words total. If selecting multiple courses, please contain all responses to a single essay.

Fees for Summer 2024

Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable) Tuition: $2,579 per course Housing & Dining Fees (add on): $618 per week Please note: No financial aid, scholarships, or discounts are available for Career Edge

For International Students

Resources and visa information for international students interested in studying abroad in NYC

Program Contact

212-998-7006 - [email protected]

Admitted Students

Resources for students who have been admitted to the program

Creative Writing Academy

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Steps to Complete Your Application

300- to 500-word personal statement.

Write a 300- to 500-word personal statement describing why you want to attend the Summer High School Programs at Georgetown University. Your completed essay should be uploaded to your online application prior to submission.

Completed School Official Reviewer Form

Provide the contact information of your current high school counselor (preferred), teacher, or principal who will be able to speak to your overall academic readiness for the program and can verify your current GPA. Upon submitting your application, your chosen point of contact will receive an automatic email request with instructions for completing the form.

International Student Requirements

International students participating in the Academies are not required to obtain a visa or submit TOEFL scores. For more information on international student requirements, including mandatory health insurance, please visit our Resources for International Students page.

This is the application for the Academies. If admitted, you will be able to register for any of our Academies (as availability allows). Please note: An offer of admission does not guarantee your seat in an Academy. Registration is conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, and to secure a seat in your chosen program, you must register and submit tuition payment.

Upon starting your application, you will receive a NetID and GUID. A NetID (username) is the login credential that will allow you to access the various electronic resources made available to you while participating in our program. Your single-use password is “gu + the last 6 digits of your GUID”, and will expire after logging in with it for the first time. 

You are REQUIRED to enroll in Georgetown’s Duo two-factor authentication service, install Duo on your mobile device (you’ll use this device to approve login push notifications from Duo), enroll in Georgetown’s online password management system, and change your single-use password using the password management system .

Additional Information

Summer applications are reviewed starting in late fall. Our Admissions Office only reviews completed applications, which include the applicant’s personal statement essay, a response from the applicant’s reference, and an application fee (if submitted after January 31). Admission decisions are released as they are made. Please allow up to three weeks after we have received your completed application for an admission decision to be emailed to your primary email address.

Note: Email is the primary form of communication throughout the application and admission process. Only the primary email address listed in the application will receive the automatic communications and application updates. Please ensure that both parent/guardian and student emails are entered correctly on the application. If there is a change in either email address, please inform our office immediately at [email protected] . We strongly recommend that you double-check your Spam folder for potential missed emails from the University.

Deadline Dates:

• Early Bird Deadline Dates : January 31* *Application fee waived for all applications submitted by this date
• Final Deadline : May 15 Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis

To apply to the Summer Programs for High School Students, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current or rising high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior during the academic year prior to your summer program
• Show evidence of good academic standing, with at least a 2.0 GPA

For the following Non-Credit Academies, students must be at least 15 years old by the date of check-in (no exceptions):

• 1-Week Medical Academy
• 1-Week Nursing Academy
• 3-Week Medical Academy
• Biotechnology for Science & Health

If you are an eligible homeschooled student applying to the Summer High School Programs, your School Official Reviewer Form may not come from a family member or paid tutor; the form must come from a teacher or another person who can speak to your academic abilities and capacity to thrive in a college environment.

English Proficiency

TOEFL scores are not required for the Academies. To fully participate and enjoy these programs, we recommend that you be able to:

• In English, understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field(s) of interest.
• Interact with a degree of English fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible.
• Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Visa Information

International students participating in the Academies are not required to obtain a visa.

For more information on international student requirements, including mandatory health insurance, please visit our Resources for International Students page.

Want to learn more?

Request information to find out the latest on the Summer Programs for High School Students.

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• Summer 2024

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AIM: Creative Writing

Note: the aim creative writing track is no longer accepting applications. .

If you’re a rising junior or senior, we invite you to apply to our intensive three-week writing program. Academic Immersion: Creative Writing is offered in partnership with BU’s MFA Program in Creative Writing , one of the oldest and most prestigious programs in the nation.

Here, you will hone your craft by focusing on a single genre each week: fiction, poetry, and screenplays. You will develop formal techniques in each genre during morning seminars led by BU instructors who are also seasoned writers.

Your afternoons will be filled with writing workshops, free-write sessions on campus and around Boston, visits from guest speakers, and pilgrimages to important cultural institutions throughout the city to see where other writers found inspiration.

The program concludes with a “writers showcase,” where you will share one of your own pieces with peers and other members of the BU community.

During the program, you will:

• Learn formal techniques and approaches to writing poetry, fiction, and screenplays
• Study with accomplished writers who are part of BU’s MFA Program in Creative Writing, one of the most highly ranked programs in the country
• Practice your craft and hone your style while gaining valuable insight into the writing process
• Develop confidence in your creative writing abilities through constructive critique and feedback

There are plenty of social activities to make sure everyone becomes familiar with the BU campus, Boston – and each other! You can plan your own free time or participate in weekend group activities, or even mix it up and join students in our other programs for a variety of scheduled events.

A Day in the Life

What's it really like to be an AIM student?

Applications Closed

All tracks in the Academic Immersion program are now full and we are no longer accepting applications for summer 2024.

Check out our answers to commonly asked questions.

Summer 2024 Dates and Deadlines

• International Students
• Calendar and Deadlines
• Request Info

Student Type

• Courses & Programs
• Student Services
• Fees & Financial Aid
• Registration

Current UCLA students or incoming and current UC students.

Newly admitted UCLA students who are looking to get an early start.

Students attending a non-UC college or university in the U.S. or abroad.

Students attending high school in the U.S. or abroad.

Individuals who are looking to expand their knowledge or prepare for a career.

6-10 week courses that represent UCLA's academic breadth, offered fully in person or hybrid (in person/online). Earn credit in a subject perfect for your path.

Courses that are designed for online learning. Earn credit from wherever you are in the world.

Three-week courses offered in an accelerated format. Earn the same amount of credit in less time.

Innovative UCLA-credit programs with a career focus and professional development opportunities in business, architecture, film, and more.

The UCLA undergraduate experience for high school students. Earn college credit and gain insight into college life.

Immersive and intensive UCLA-credit programs for advanced high school students in STEM, social science, creative arts and more.

Prepare yourself for a career that addresses prevalent worldwide topics and issues. Earn credit, gain insight from industry leaders, and learn how to be a pioneer for global impact.

Special Opportunities for UCLA Students

Make progress on your major or minor with added benefits.

Explore a major while learning career skills and satisfying GE requirements.

UCLA Quick Links

Review UCLA Summer Sessions enrollment and payment related procedures and policies, as well as academic policies.

Explore the campus services and resources available to you as a UCLA Summer Bruin.

Know your rights and responsibilities as a UCLA Summer Bruin.

Download frequently used forms for enrollment or I-20 requests.

Click here to begin registering for UCLA Summer Sessions.

Click here to return to your in-progress or completed registration for UCLA Summer Sessions.

Create stories that can be shared across all entertainment mediums

Use improv and playwriting skills to influence and shape the world of content creation

The Content Creation and Scriptwriting Summer Institute is a two-week, UC credit-bearing intensive program for students interested in writing for the web, film and theater. This program provides opportunities to work with our distinguished faculty in classes such as webisode writing, screenwriting, playwriting, improv, and sketch comedy. The combination of these courses will allow students to use their training to create stories that can be shared across all entertainment mediums. Students will learn the technical components of writing for the web, stage and the screen while gaining hands-on experience in developing and completing three short form writing samples. Beyond the classroom, students will attend guest workshops and learn the art of collaboration.

The program is designed for artists and students who seek additional discipline and training required for participation in a university theater program or a career in the entertainment industry.

Content Creation & Scriptwriting Summer Institute – Program Overview

Application requirements.

Application deadline: June 1, 2024 | Enrollment deadline: June 15, 2024

Applications are reviewed and admission to the program is granted on a rolling basis starting February 15th. Applying at your earliest convenience, prior to June 1st, is highly recommended.

Applicants are required to provide the following during the online registration process:

• If your school transcript utilizes a different grading system, please submit your transcript as is. If available, please attach a translation/equivalency guide.
• If your school has a translation/equivalency guide, please also include it with your transcript. If you do not have a translation/equivalency guide, please still submit your most up-to-date transcript as is for staff to review.
• Value statement : At the time of registration, ALL applicants will be prompted to submit a few short sentences reflecting on their pursuit of participation in a UCLA Precollege Summer Institute. Please note that students are strongly discouraged from relying on ChatGpt/AI tools for their application responses and are encouraged to submit original and authentic answers.
• In 400 words, why are you interested in content creation and scriptwriting and what do you hope to gain?
• A resume (if you do not have a resume, submit a brief description of your theatrical and/or artistic experience).

The resume can be uploaded as a word or pdf file during the application process.

Commuter-Only Program

As a commuter program, there is NO on-campus housing available for the Content Creation & Scriptwriting Summer Institute.

Participants of the Content Creation & Scriptwriting Summer Institute must commute to the UCLA campus each day of the program. Specific location information (e.g. classroom) will be provided to enrolled students closer to the start of the program.

Summer Sessions parking permits will be available beginning May 30 on a first-come, first-served basis. Students have the option to purchase a summer term permit or a daily permit.

Please review the  Transportation and Parking Services web page  and read the “Summer Quarter Parking (All Students)” section for more information on all permit types, including cost.

Coursework & Grading

Theater 30; 4 units

Students will receive a letter grade upon completion. See University Credit, Grades and Transcripts for more information about academic credit.

In order to successfully complete the program, students must not have more than 1 excused or unexcused absences.

Scholarships

UCLA Summer Sessions Summer Scholars Support

Qualified students attending grades 9th – 11th in Spring 2024 in the state of California may be eligible for  Summer Scholars Support , a need- and merit-based scholarship offered by the UCLA Summer Sessions Office. Students must be 15 years old by the first day of Summer Sessions 2024 on June 24th in order to participate in a Precollege Summer Institute and/or apply for Summer Scholars Support. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available to support enrollment in SCIP/eSCIP, one Summer Course, or a Precollege Summer Institute.

Summer 2024 deadline to apply: March 15.

Program Dates: July 14, 2024 – July 26, 2024

Program Type: Commuter

Program Eligibility:  9th-12th grade in Spring 2024*

Application deadline:  June 1, 2024

Enrollment deadline:  June 15, 2024

*All participants must be at least 15 years of age by the first day of Summer Sessions 2024 on June 24th, no exceptions allowed.

The schedule and syllabus are subject to change. Enrolled students will be given updated materials closer to the program start date.

Fees and Payment Info

The program fee includes the unit fees for the UCLA coursework offered as part of the program and thus varies by UC student status. In addition to the program fee, students are assessed other campus and administrative fees during the summer. This is a summary of fees that commonly apply to the selected student type.

Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California. Visit the fees, payment, and financial aid section for important disclaimer, as well as more details on fees, payment instructions, and information on delinquency, refunds, and financial aid.

Meet your instructors

Patrick hurley.

Patrick Hurley graduated from UCLA with his MFA in playwriting. The first part of his Queer Tetralogy On a Queer Day was a Semi-Finalist for The Eugene O’Neill playwrights conference in 2018. His play The Winds of Ariston was part of UCLA’s 2017 New Play Festival. In 2018, his serialized play #instagay had twelve episodes at Sacred Fools Theatre in Los Angeles.  In 2016, his play My Play’s Last Scene was part of the Marianne Murphy Staged Reading Series. That same year his One Act Indigo at Midnight was part of the Francis Ford Coppola One Act Play Festival. He worked as a Stage Manager for Francis Ford Coppola on his live television project Distant Vision. He has taught playwriting at UCLA, has been a dramaturg and literary assistant for The Theatre @ Boston Court in Los Angeles, and was the head writer for the 2018 Los Angeles Ovation Awards Ceremony.  He is a two-time recipient of the George Burns/Grace Allen Fellowship for Comedy.

David Kepner

David Kepner is an LA-based actor, holding a Master’s in Acting from UCLA and a Bachelor’s in Theater & Secondary Education from Boise State University. David is an avid actor and filmmaker earning most of his experience from theater, film, and  original comedic shorts . His micro-short film and directorial debut,  Georganne.MOV , won Best Mockumentary Micro-Film at the Portland Comedy Film Festival (2020). David also received the Silver Tripod/Best Story award for my short film,  MICNIC , at Campus MovieFest (2019). He also performed in numerous plays, recently playing as the titular role in Aphra Behn’s  The Rover  at the historic Freud Playhouse (2020).  David continues to display his acting abilities in original sketch comedies and other performative projects that come his way. When he’s not working, he loves to play video games, order take-out, get scratched by his cat, and to leisurely ride his motorcycle around town to prove that he owns the ultimate form of transportation.

Annette Lee

Annette  Lee  began her artistic life as an actor in New York before returning to her native Los Angeles as a playwright.  Her plays have been performed and read in Los Angeles, New York, Colorado, Portland, and Chicago. She has written for radio, mono-drama, site-specific projects and has served as a dramaturge for Artists at Play, USC School of Dramatic Arts and its Master of Professional Writing Program.  A recipient of the Mickey Dude Fellowship for the Depiction of Ethnic Life in America and the Edna & Yushan Han Scholarship, she holds an MFA in Playwriting from UCLA, has taught writing at UCLA and East West Players. She has written with The Vagrancy and the David Henry Hwang Writers Institute. Formerly, as the Literary Manager for Los Angeles’, Playwrights’ Arena, she curated seven seasons of the New Pages Lab Reading series, a program developing new works for the stage by Los Angeles playwrights, which have been seen and heard across the country.

Michael Bauer

Michael Bauer is a comedy writer, producer and actor with a strong background in clown performance. He earned his BFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and his MFA for UCLA. Michael is the co-founder of the theater company Loom Ensemble, as well as the circus company Svindelic Circus Troupe. He has produced numerous award winning comedy films, and published several children’s plays. Today Michael works as a show runner for a children’s streaming series, an audio book narrator and an acting teacher whenever the opportunity arises.

Ryan Fogle is a screenwriter who’s worked on assignment having written multiple feature screenplays and developed television shows for producer Kristine Gregg at We Push Trains, Inc. His path to becoming a screenwriter had some stops along the way as he’s a trained jazz musician who studied percussion at Berklee College of Music. He’s gone on tour with the Bird of Paradise Jazz Orchestra and has worked as a session musician for songwriter/composer Matthew Sikora, Arthur Darien and Thomas Bergersen. His music has appeared on Netflix, Hulu, KROQ and numerous movie trailers and tv-spots. Since 2014, Ryan has worked as a professional camera operator and director of photography for commercials, music videos and web-series. Most notably for Golden Road Brewery, Floyd’s 99 Barbershop and the Emmy award winning comedy web-series “Dicks” in 2016. Recently, he started teaching himself 3D-Animation in Unity and Blender. He’s working on his first animated short film with his co-writer Brian Rodriguez. In 2019 he studied Full-Stack Web Development at UCLA Extension. He currently works as the webmaster for the UCLA International Institute

Content Creation & Scriptwriting Summer Institute FAQ

What kind of background or experience should applicants have.

We welcome students of all levels; however, students should have a strong interest and a desire to learn about new media, content creation, and scriptwriting.

What supplies are required to participate in this program?

Still have questions? Check out the general Summer Institutes FAQ.

19 Summer Programs for LA High School Students and Teens 2024

By: Author Wendy Kennar

Posted on Last updated: May 11, 2024

Updated for 2024

For teens, summer is a chance to work or work on their college application resume. Luckily, Los Angeles has many terrific summer programs for high school students.

Plans may need to be flexible, and there may be more online studies than in past years, so be sure to check with each of the programs for more information.

Many summer programs for teens begin accepting applications and have deadlines in Spring. It’s never too early to start looking into the amazing opportunities out there — and to help get your teen into a great program.

Quick Links:

• Summer Camps for Teens
• Summer Camps in Los Angeles
• Sleep Away Camps
• Online Summer Camps
• Spring Break Camps
• Volunteer Opportunities for High School Kids
• Private High Schools in Los Angeles
• Los Angeles Charter Schools
• Public Schools in Los Angeles
• School Calendars for LA County
• College Savings Ideas from Scholarshare 529 plans

Summer Programs for Los Angeles Teens

Calarts animation intensive 24700 mcbean parkway, valencia, ca 91355.

Students 14+ years old participate in an online course led by CalArts faculty from their esteemed Experimental and Character Animation Programs. This online course allows students to study drawing and design for film, access workshops, and listen to lectures. Students can learn about story development, animation history, drawing, and more from educators and animation artists.

Faculty evaluates each student’s work by video and students can support each other, share feedback, and develop a creative peer group. All levels are welcome to apply.

LaunchX Entrepreneur Summer Program

LaunchX isn’t a business plan competition – students start real companies. These startups are driven by using the design thinking process to discover innovative opportunities, backed by extensive market research, multiple iterations of prototypes and user testing, and gaining traction through getting real customers and partnerships.

Students are supported throughout by peer discussion groups, a team of mentors, and instructors and interns. This is now an online-only summer program.

UC COSMOS California State Summer School for Math and Sciences

COSMOS is an intensive four-week summer program for students who have demonstrated an aptitude for academic and professional careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Talented and motivated students completing grades 8-12 have the opportunity to work with renowned faculty, researchers, and scientists in state-of-the-art facilities while exploring advanced STEM topics far beyond the courses usually offered in California high schools.

Students apply to one of the four University of California’s COSMOS campuses — UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz. A typical COSMOS student has a GPA of 3.5 or above.

California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA)

The California State Summer School for the Arts is a rigorous, preprofessional, month-long training program in the visual and performing arts, creative writing, animation, and film for talented artists of high school age. CSSSA provides a supportive environment in which students hone acquired skills and explore new techniques and ideas for an intense and exciting learning experience.

The school was created by the California Legislature and held its first session in 1987. Its purpose is to provide a training ground for future artists who wish to pursue careers in the arts and entertainment industries in California. California residents enrolled in grades nine through twelve may apply to attend CSSSA. 

Youth Mental Health Academy Multiple locations in LA, San Diego, and the Bay Area

Youth Mental Health Academy is a community-based, career development program for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in careers in mental health. YMHA provides students from traditionally underserved communities an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience in mental health science, practice, and communications through a 5-week paid summer academy, ongoing support from mentors in mental health-related fields, and a paid summer internship.

Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS)

The Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS) enrolls over 90 local high school students and seeks to support them in preparing for admission to selective and highly selective colleges and universities.  PAYS scholars engage in a thought-provoking combination of courses, cultural events, workshops, projects, and field trips during the intensive 4-week program as well as throughout the academic year.

PAYS serves rising sophomores through rising seniors from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education — students who are first in their family to attend college; from low-income families; and from African American, Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander, and/or part of other underrepresented racial or ethnic groups.

Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science

The Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) provides opportunities for students from underrepresented communities to explore STEM-related fields and earn college credit. As SAMS Scholars, students engage in a rigorous curriculum taught by our renowned faculty and staff who are deeply committed to student success.

The program allows students to develop a deeper understanding of areas such as mathematics, biology, and physics via traditional classroom instruction, hands-on projects, and sustained engagement with world-renowned faculty and skilled staff mentors. In addition to their academic experiences, students also have the opportunity to collaborate and develop meaningful relationships with peers from across the country.

UCSB Research Mentorship Program University of California Santa Barbara

The Research Mentorship Program is a competitive, six-week summer program that engages qualified, high-achieving high school students from all over the world in interdisciplinary, hands-on, university-level research. Students will be paired up with a mentor (graduate student, postdoc, or faculty) and choose a research project from a large list of disciplines offered by the program each year.

EPIC at Cal Poly Engineering Possibilities in College

EPIC is open to all rising 6th-12th graders. The program’s primary goals are to attract more female, first-generation, and low-income students to the field of engineering and inspire them to choose it as a career path. However, ALL students are welcome to apply regardless of background. Acceptance into EPIC is based on the essay you write and an indication (from your GPA, the classes you have taken, extracurricular activities, etc.) that you have applied yourself to your studies.

The EPIC program does its best to determine which students will gain the most from the program. Requirements for the virtual program: Students must have access to a computer, reliable internet, and a non-school district-issued email address.

UCLA Summer Writing Institute

A non-resident writing course for English-speaking high school students who seek to strengthen their writing and discussion skills. For over twenty years, UCLA Writing Programs has helped undergraduates successfully meet the challenges of a university education.

Through a three-week Writing Summer Institute, UCLA’s highly regarded writing specialists will help college-bound students prepare for those challenges. All activities will demystify the unstated differences between college and high school writing. The summer workshop will also attend to the college application process, including the application essay. The Writing Summer Institute is ideal for the ambitious high school student who wants to start college a step ahead.

Syracuse University PreCollege Summer College

For more than 60 years, Syracuse University has been providing exceptional and transformative pre-college experiences to high school students from around the world. Summer College – Online students have the unique opportunity to explore potential majors and pursue academic interests from the comfort of home — or from anywhere life takes them. Students participate in high-level instruction, have access to virtual campus offerings, and are welcomed into an engaging and supportive online community.

University of Chicago Summer Session

The University of Chicago’s Summer Session brings together a global community of thinkers who ask tough questions and embrace new ideas. Discover the awesome course opportunities for high school students this summer with the University of Chicago.

Within a supportive online community, students from all over the globe are exposed to diverse ideas in classes taught by world-class faculty and instructors. In their classes, students are given the chance to take intellectual risks, dive more deeply into subject matter, and discuss questions that go beyond the realm of their high school curriculum.

Cornell University SCE Precollege Studies

Cornell University’s pre-college programs give high school students the chance to benefit from an Ivy League education before they apply to or attend college. Whether they’re participating in the Summer Residential Program or taking a course online, they’ll experience what sets our programs apart — studying with Cornell faculty, learning in regular undergraduate-level courses, and earning real college credit for their work.

USC Summer Programs for High School Students 649 W. 34th St. Suite 108, Los Angeles, CA 90089-1627

USC Summer Programs provide outstanding high school students with the opportunities to “balance academic and campus life as they prepare for college.” The program offers 4-week summer courses which are taught by USC faculty and professionals of the USC academic community. Courses include lectures, hands-on workshops, labs, and guest speakers. Information about tuition, the application process, dates, and other details are available online.

Teens and Government at Select YMCA branches around SoCal

“The LA Y is proud to feature the largest Youth and Government (Y&G) delegation in the country.” Local branches of the YMCA provide high school students with the opportunity to participate in the Model Legislature & Court (MLC) to learn more about government processes by “debating issues, writing bills, playing the roles of government officials,” and more. Contact your local branch for more information about this six-month program.  

UCI Experience University Research at UC Irvine Irvine, CA 92697-5700

Choose from hands-on courses in some of UCI’s most popular academic areas of study, including Engineering, Business, Environmental Policy & Technology, Finance, Writing, JavaScript, Esports, AI & Machine Learning, and more. Develop academic research, writing, and presentation skills through project-based learning.

Summer Discovery at UCLA UCLA Campus, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095  

“Summer Discovery is a pre-college enrichment program for high school and middle school students that combines academics with fun, activities, and sports.” Students learn about college life while taking courses taught by university faculty. Summer Discovery has been hosting students for 53 years now. Courses are offered in business, sports, screenwriting, acting, and leadership. Students may select 2, 3, 5 or 6-week programs. Information on program dates, tuition, and the application process is available online.

Summer of Art Otis College of Art and Design 9045 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045

The Summer of Art at Otis College of Art and Design is a program designed for high school students aged 15 and older. Students “build and develop creative and artistic skills while exploring a specific medium or aspect of art and design.” Classes are small and include hands-on studio courses and labs.  

Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism 3502 Watt Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0281

The Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement is a four-week summer intensive program for high school students. “AYA strengthens students’ skills in writing, critical thought, public speech and debate, multimedia production, interviewing and ethnography.” Application information is available online.

The Intern Project (TIP) 202 W. 1st St., Ste 160, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Intern Project (TIP) provides paid summer internships (of 4 or more weeks) to Los Angeles high school juniors and seniors. Priority is given to high-need students. Students work in a variety of specialized fields including the Arts; Media and Entertainment; Engineering and Tech; Business; Health Science and Medical Technology; Government/Non-Profit/Philanthropy; and Sports.

Applications open in January and close in March. By April interns are selected. In May, interns are matched with businesses, and from May through August, interns participate in orientation, ongoing coaching, professional development, and other events.

Disclaimer:  MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.

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Tuesday 9th of April 2019

Where in the LA area can a high school student find a summer school history course? Without paying a lot of tuition?

[email protected]

Yvonne Condes

Wednesday 10th of April 2019

I would try one of the community colleges. Some have free or nearly free courses for high school students over the summer. They fill up quickly so I recommend to start looking now.

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Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration Program

The Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration program offers middle and high school students one-week intensive enrichment courses intended to introduce them to new areas of study or allow them to engage in content they may already have an interest in. In-person classes meet from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and are taught by Ohio State faculty, staff, and graduate students. Teaching is active, hands-on and encourages participants to engage with the instructional team and their fellow participants. These courses are not for grade or credit and are designed for self-motivated learners.  

Eligibility is based on a participant’s current grade level for the 2023-2024 school year. Students currently enrolled in 7 th and 8 th grades are eligible for middle school courses. Students currently enrolled in 9 th – 11 th grade are eligible for high school courses. 

If you have questions about this program, please contact [email protected] or call Courtney Price at 614-292-8208. 

The application deadline for Summer 2024 courses has passed. We invite you to sign up for updates  to receive information about our programs and be alerted when the when future application windows open.  

2024 Course Offerings

Explorations in creative writing.

Dates : June 3–7

Eligibility : Middle School (current grade 7-8)

Description : In this course, we will take a deep dive into poetry, fiction, and nonfiction writing! In each genre, we’ll be thinking about what it means to develop our own individual writing voice that’s unique to who we are. During the week, we will experiment with daily writing exercises based off prompts crafted to spark creativity and seek inspiration from reading classic and contemporary literary work, as well as different forms of art, such as music and collage. 

Through this course, participants will hone their writing voice in multiple genres. By the end of the course, each participant will have an impressive portfolio of writing developed in our supportive writing community. 

Prerequisites:  Previous experience with the subject matter is not required for this course.

Astronomy as a Gateway to the Data Sciences

Eligibility : High School (current grade 9-11)

Description : Astronomy has entered the “big data” era, in which huge collections of measurements are analyzed to attack the most challenging problems. In this course, we will explore how even the simplest data – the positions and brightness of stars – can address an active research problem. We will build the components of a data analysis pipeline using the most basic parts of the Python programming language, and use real data to search for young stars that have diffused away from the clusters they were born in. 

This course will explore many aspects of competency in the data sciences. This is a true research project! We do not know the answers in advance but will discover them as part of our course. This course will include small group exploration, interviews, peer teaching, and pair programming. Through this course students will learn basic statistical analysis, and gain experience in several fundamentals in the Python programming language. 

Prerequisites: 

• Participants should have completed high school algebra or geometry prior to taking this course. 
• Previous experience with astronomy and programming is not required for this course. 

Specific Course Requirements:

• Contact  [email protected] if lack of access to a personal computer would limit participation.

Sensational Science: Exploring Human Perception

Description : Discover the wonders and mysteries of how we perceive the world around us. Participants will explore not only the traditional five senses — sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch — but also examine proprioception, nociception, balance, and the complex neural networks that integrate sensory information. 

Through a dynamic blend of lectures, hands-on experiments, interactive activities, and group discussions, participants will learn the science behind how we perceive our environment and ourselves. This course will enhance critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills through investigations of how our brains interpret sensory information. Going beyond the basics, this course will uncover the fascinating spectrum of sensory and perception disorders. From the challenges of navigating the world with color blindness or anosmia to the extraordinary experiences of synesthesia, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how diverse the human experience of the world can be. 

Prerequisites:  Previous experience with the subject matter is not required for this course. 

Printmaking

Dates : June 10-14 Eligibility : Middle School (current grade 7-8)

Description : This studio-based, hands-on course will be held in the Ohio State Print Shop in Hopkins Hall. Participants will be introduced to a variety of printmaking techniques including screenprinting, relief printing, monoprinting, risography, and bookmaking. Participants will have the option to focus their work through the lens of comics, storytelling, and character design, if they so choose. At the end of the week participants will visit the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library on Ohio State campus, where they will view exhibitions and archives of comics and sequential art. 

Through this course, participants will learn how to operate specialized printing presses, tools, and equipment. Participants will create an original portfolio of printed works on paper and fabric. Participants will have the opportunity to share their prints and acquire works by their fellow participants through a course print exchange.

During this course students will use sharp tools and operate printmaking equipment. Students will be supervised and provided with personal safety training for every technique, but there is an inherent risk of injury.

Prerequisites: Previous studio art experience is not required to successfully participate in this course.

Course Specific Requirements:

• Close-toe shoes are recommended.
• Clothing may get art materials on them. Participants should dress accordingly.

Intercultural Competence for Future Global Leaders 

Dates : June 24-28

Description : Intercultural competence is conceptualized as a lifelong process that includes the development of the attitudes (respect and valuing of other cultures, openness, curiosity), knowledge (of self, culture, sociolinguistic issues) skills (listen, observe, interpret, analyze, evaluate, and relate), and qualities (adaptability, flexibility, empathy and cultural decentering) in order to behave and communicate effectively and appropriately to achieve one’s goals. 

In this course, participants will learn what it takes to become globally-minded and acquire the skills to navigate in multiple, diverse, global and local networks. Participants will understand the core concepts related to culture and intercultural competence, learn the basics of American Sign Language (ASL), develop cultural self-awareness, and understand the relationship between intercultural competence, citizenship and leadership. 

Course Specific Requirements: 

Application and deadline

The 2024 Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration Program application will remain open through May 15 . Space in each course is limited, so individual courses may fill before the May 15 deadline. 

If a participant requires an accommodation such as interpretation to participate in this program, please contact the program at [email protected] or 614-292-8208. Requests should be made as soon as possible. Requests made two weeks before the first day of a course will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date. 

We invite you to sign up for updates  to receive information about our programs and be alerted when the when future application windows open.    

Costs and aid

The program fee for the Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration 2024 program is  $550 per one-week course , which includes all course materials and activities, lunch, and snacks.

Limited need-based financial assistance may be available in the form of partial support. Financial assistance can be requested on the program application.  

Payment deadlines

Applicants have one week to accept their offer of admission to the program and pay the program fee. All payments must be made through the applicant portal. Once an offer is accepted and payment made, the parent or legal guardian must submit emergency contact and medical information, as well as signed Policy Acknowledgement and Consent forms no later than May 27, 2024.   

Refund Policy

The Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration Program recognizes that sometimes plans change. Participants may request a refund of the program fee by emailing [email protected] according to the following schedule:

• On or before May 1, 2024: 100% of program fee paid
• May 2 – May 15, 2024: 50% of program fee paid
• On or after May 16, 2024: No refund of program fee paid

Program Details

While plans for each course may differ slightly, the daily schedule follows this general model:

• Drop off 8:15 - 8:45 a.m.
• Morning session 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
• Travel to lunch 11:30 - 11:45 a.m.
• Lunch at Traditions 11:45 - 12:45 p.m. 
• Travel time 12:30 - 12:45 p.m. 
• On campus activity 12:45 – 1:45 p.m.
• Afternoon session 2:00-3:45 p.m.
• Travel to pick-up location 3:45 - 4 p.m.
• Pick up 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Participants will always be escorted between pick-up/drop-off, their assigned classroom, the dining hall, and the on-campus activity by program staff. Additional information about the program will be emailed to participants and families, as needed, closer to the start of the program. 

Lunch will be provided daily at the Traditions at Scott dining hall and will be supervised by program staff. Traditions provides a wide variety of food options that meet the most common dietary needs and restrictions, including halal, gluten-free and vegetarian. However, kosher dining is not supported during summer term. 

The pick-up and drop-off location for students is the corner of Annie and John Glenn Avenue and Millikin Road, outside of the PAES building (see maps below). Please drop your child off from the eastbound lane of Annie and John Glenn Avenue. The drop-off/pick-up location will be marked with a sign and program staff will be present to check your child in and out of the program. 

If you are using a navigation system for directions, enter the following address: 305 Annie and John Glenn Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210.

Please do not park in the drop-off/pick-up lane. If you need to park, or your child is driving themselves to and from the program, the closest surface lot parking is at the Ohio Stadium. The closest garage parking is Tuttle Garage. You can learn more about parking at Ohio State, including hourly rates, on the CampusParc website . 

The image above shows the ideal route to the drop off and pick up location. The image below shows the drop off and pick up lane from the street view. 

For those riding COTA, the closest bus stop to the drop-off/pick-up location is N. High Street & E. 15th Avenue. See the COTA website for more information. 

The first day of the program will kick-off with a brief orientation session. At 8:45 a.m. program staff will walk the students to the orientation location. At the orientation, students will receive a program t-shirt and lanyard, the program staff will be introduced, and the daily schedule will be reviewed. After orientation, students will be escorted to their classrooms and the morning session will begin.  

What to Wear

Participants should wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the classroom, as well as for a range of temperatures. For most courses, participants will spend most of the day inside air-conditioned classrooms. However, we will be walking between the drop-off/pick-up location, classrooms, campus locations and the dining hall. Dressing in layers and wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended. Any course specific requirements are listed in the course description. 

Friday What to Wear

Each Friday on the last day of classes, we will take pictures of each class cohort. We encourage participants to wear their Arts & Sciences Summer Exploration t-shirt on Friday for this event!

Daily Packing List

• Cell phone and charger (optional)
• Any special academic materials needed for courses beyond this basic list will be provided by the program.
• Snacks and water: Participants should bring a refillable water bottle every day. While the program will provide an afternoon snack, participants are allowed to bring their own snacks. However, we request that, for the safety of participants with nut allergies, no snacks containing nuts be brought to the program.
• Personal medications in their original labeled containers (if taken during the day)
• Sunscreen and umbrella or rain jacket (optional)

The documents linked below are samples of the required program forms. Once an applicant accepts their offer of admission, the parent or legal guardian will receive an email from DocuSign with links to these forms. Forms must be reviewed and signed by May 27, 2024 .  

• Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration 2024 Policy Forms
• Arts and Sciences Summer Exploration 2024 Consent Forms

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

25 Summer Architecture Programs for High School Students in 2024

What’s covered:.

• Summer Programs Offered by Colleges and Universities

Programs Aimed at Increasing Diversity in Architecture 

• Professional Architecture Associations

How Much Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?

Summer programs are a terrific way to explore the field of architecture and design as a profession. Many colleges and universities with architecture majors offer a summer learning experience that also serves as a recruitment tool. If you have a particular school in mind that offers a summer program, you should seriously consider signing up. 

They may offer an on-campus experience that allows you the chance to see what it’s like to be a student and determine if this is the place for you. Other perks may include earning college credit for the program or earning a scholarship to their school. Even if they don’t offer these benefits, you will still come away with a great experience and projects to begin or build a portfolio.  

Summer Programs Offered by Colleges and Universities  

Some architecture programs live in the fine arts department of their school. Others are at home in engineering and technology. We’ve also included schools of design, liberal arts colleges, and universities from across the county.   

1. Boston Architectural College (BAC) Summer Academy   

Dates: July 1 – August 2

Location: Boston Architecture College and online 

Application Deadline : June 3

Cost: $1,800 – $2,000

No design experience is required here, just an interest in learning. Students in ninth through twelfth grade who take part in the BAC Summer Academy will gain a deeper understanding of fields like architecture, interior design, and landscape design while participating in hands-on building and design projects. At the completion of the program, students will have developed a digital and physical portfolio suitable for design school applications. 

2. Drexel Discovering Architecture  

Dates: July 7 – 20

Location: Drexel University  

Application Deadline : March 30th for priority deadline

Cost: $3,475 – $3,675

This two-week residential summer program is open to high school students over the age of 16. Participants take courses led by Drexel faculty, work in the studios and labs used by Drexel architecture students, listen to lectures from distinguished speakers, and visit local architectural sites—ultimately gaining firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to be an architecture student at a major university and a better understanding of careers in the field. 

3. Pre-College Design Program at Georgia Institute of Technology  

• Session 1: June 16 – 18
• Session 2: July 7 – 19

Location: Georgia Tech University  

Application Deadline : Rolling

Cost: $2,300

This two-week residential summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors offers students the opportunity to work with Georgia Tech’s world-class faculty, gain insight into what it’s like to study architecture in college, and develop a better understanding of careers in architecture. Participants will complete a hands-on design project that they can include in their portfolio.  

4. School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) Early College Program Summer Institute

• Session 1: June 17 – 28 (two weeks)
• Session 2: July 1 – 12 (two weeks)
• Session 3: July 15 – 26 (two weeks)
• Session 4: July 1 – 26 (four weeks) 
• Session 5: July 29 – August 2 (one week)

Location: School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Application Deadline : N/A

• One-week program: $1,785 (tuition) + 600 (room and board) 
• Two-week program: $3,570 (tuition) + $1,200 (room and board) 
• Four-week program: $7,140 (tuition) + $2,000 (room and board) 

SAIC offers several programs for high school students, such as the Early College Program Summer Institute for students ages 15 through 18. The program offers everything from single-week to four-week college experiences that include choosing courses—such as architecture—and living in residence halls. Successful completion provides a portfolio-worthy project and two hours of college credit.  

5. Career Exploration in Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture Workshop

Dates: June 9 – 14

Location: University of Nebraska – Lincoln 

Application Deadline : April 19 

Cost: $650 

UNL provides a hands-on workshop experience for high school students with an interest in architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design. During the camp, students learn about the field, work in client/designer scenarios, create their own projects in the design studio, and learn what it’s like to be a college student. 

6. Columbia University Introduction to Architecture  

Dates: July 9 – August 19

Location: Columbia University and online   

Application Deadline : Rolling 

Cost: ~ $4,248

This residential, five-week program provides an overview of the field and the opportunity to specialize in architecture, urban planning, or historic preservation. Participants will develop their skills in the online design studio with faculty along with taking part in seminars, lectures, and relevant readings on visualization, technology, and the history of architecture.  

7. Norwich University Summer Design Academy   

Dates: July 7 – 13

Location: Norwich University 

Application Deadline : March 31 

Cost: $1,500 

A one-week, in-person architecture academy for high schoolers provides skill-building instruction, portfolio materials, and information on the college application process. Activities include seminars, sketching, drafting, and model building.  

8. UCLA Jumpstart Summer Institute: Introduction to Architecture

Dates: June 24 – July 19 

Location: UCLA 

Application Deadline : June 15 

Cost: $3,592  

This is an intensive, four-week program for individuals with a high school diploma who are interested in pursuing architecture. The program offers six quarters of credit in the University of California system. 

9. Rhode Island School of Design Pre-College Program  

Dates: June 29 – August 3

Location: Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) 

Application Deadline : February 8 

Cost: $8,715 – $11,350  

RISD is arguably one of the country’s premier schools of art and design. Their Pre-College Program is a six-week, on-campus immersive experience for students with daily studio work, college-level education, and a unique insight into the life of a RISD student. 

10. Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Architecture  

Dates: June 22 – July 27

Location: Carnegie Mellon University  

Application Deadline : March 1

Cost: $7,704 – $10,030   

This intensive, residential college experience for current high school sophomores and juniors exposes them to college life, explores design, and introduces them to a network of similarly interested peers. Over the course of the program’s four weeks, students build foundational architectural skills through coursework, projects seminars, workshops, and field trips. 

11. New Jersey Institute of Technology Summer Introduction to Architecture

• Session 1: July 7 – 12 (one week)
• Session 2: July 14 – 19 (one week)
• Session 3: July 7 – 19 (two weeks) 

Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology   

Application Deadline : April 30 

Cost: $1,890 – $3,240

This program is offered in both week-long and two-week-long formats. The summer program introduces rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to the techniques and vocabulary used in the field of architecture. Throughout the program, participants work on individual and group projects, meet with practicing architects, and take field trips. At the completion of the program, students will have a piece of work suitable for portfolio submissions. 

12. ArcStart

Dates: July 8 – 26

Location: University of Michigan – Ann Arbor    

Application Deadline : February 29  

Cost: $3,600

Open to rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors as well as rising college freshmen, ArcStart is designed to give students a firsthand introduction to the field of architecture. Participants learn about a variety of aspects of architecture by using specialized drawing, drafting, and modeling tools, exploring architectural history, visiting an architecture firm, creating design proposals, and curating work in a digital portfolio. Students will also learn about, and prepare for, the college application process. 

13. embARC Summer Design Academy

Dates: July 1 – 26

Location: University of California – Berkeley 

Application Deadline : April 15  

Cost: $4,938

This four-week immersive pre-college program allows rising high school juniors and seniors to explore the fields of architecture, urban design, and city planning. Participants develop technical skills while taking college-level work and building their design portfolio for college applications. No prior design experience is required to take part in this program. 

14. Oklahoma State University Discover Architecture  

Location: Oklahoma State University   

Students are introduced to the fields of architecture and architectural engineering in this week-long residential summer program where they will participate in a variety of hands-on projects under the supervision of faculty to gain a clearer picture of potential careers in the building arts. 

15. Camp ARCH

Dates: July 8 – 13

Location: Texas A&M University   

Application Deadline : April 1 

Participants in this week-long residential program can choose from three areas of focus: architecture, construction science, and landscape design. This summer program aims to introduce students to what life is like as a Texas A&M undergraduate—providing deeper knowledge of the university’s academic programs, curriculum, resources, and campus—while exploring a field of interest.

16. Architecture + Planning Camp @CAP

Dates: June 24 – 28 

Location: Ball State University   

Application Deadline : June 7 

This one-week program for students in grades 9 through 12 introduces them to architecture, site evaluation, ecology, sustainability, planning, sketching, and 3D modeling. In the program, students will complete projects they can include in their portfolios and increase their knowledge of the thought process used by professional architects, landscape designers, and urban planners.

17. Virtual Architecture Summer Camp

Dates: August 4 -10

Location: Online    

Application Deadline : N/A 

Learn about architecture from the comfort of your own home this summer with this excellent virtual opportunity from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning. The program is open to high schoolers in grades 9 through 12 along with recent graduates with an interest in architecture, design, and 3D design. In the program, students will learn the foundational elements of architecture and how to communicate their design ideas through mediums like models, drawings, and text.

18. Architecture in the City  

Dates: June 17 – 21 

Location: University of Colorado – Denver    

This unique program for rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent high school graduates introduces students to architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, and urban planning through a design-build project. Participants will gain hands-on experience with building and drawing techniques, visit firms and sites, and meet a network of like-minded students.

1. Project Pipeline regional camps at the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA)

Dates: Varies

Location: Varies  

Application Deadline: Varies

Cost: Varies 

NOMA’s mission is to empower young people to affect change in their community through design. NOMA uses the city as the classroom to introduce minority students (with a focus on Black students) to architecture. The program brings together architects, planners, and young people to foster the next generation of design professionals. As an organization, NOMA advocates for increased inclusiveness, diversity, fellowship, equity, and excellence in design.

2. Girls Garage  

Location: Girls Garage Berkeley, CA  

Cost: Free – $450 

Girls Garage is a nonprofit building and design group for girls and gender-expansive youth from ages 9-18. For high school youth, there are one-week-long workshops, summer programs, and distance learning opportunities—including building-focused summer programs.  

3. Hip Hop Architecture Summer Camps

Cost: Varies  

These camps use hip-hop culture to introduce young people from underrepresented groups to architecture, urban planning, and design. Cities across the country, such as Chicago, Detroit, and Washington, D.C. host summer camps for students. 

4. 400 Forward

Location: Free 

Cost: Free   

400 Forward takes its name from the 400th living African-American woman who became a licensed architect in 2017 and seeks to support the next 400 women architects with a focus on African-American girls. The program provides free summer camps and workshops exposing young women to the field of architecture, provides mentorship, and participates in events highlighting the work of its participants.

5. Women in Construction Management Summer Institute

Dates: June 4 – 8 

Location: Colorado State University

Application Deadline: N/A

High school girls interested in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) will want to check out this five-day, four-night summer program. Participants will engage with women working in AEC fields and college mentors to gain a deeper understanding of construction management, learn about career pathways, and explore AEC topics.

Professional Architecture Associations 

1. build sf summer design institute.

• Session 1: June 10 – 28
• Session 2: July 8 – 26 

Location: Online

Application Deadline: N/A 

Cost: $3,000

This fast-paced three-week summer program offered by the Architectural Foundation San Francisco provides high school students with professional feedback, guidance, and design skills. Students learn multiple digital design platforms and complete portfolio-worthy projects for applying to colleges or for professional opportunities. 

2. Fallingwater High School Residencies  

• Session 1: June 24 – 28
• Session 2: July 8 – 12 
• Session 3: July 22- 26
• Session 4: July 29 – August 2 

Location: High Meadow Educational Complex

Cost: $1,250

This program for high schoolers in grades 9 through 12 provides students with the chance to engage in immersive studio-based learning while exploring careers and creative expression. Four sessions are held, all focused on a unique topic. They are:

• Drawing and model making 
• Portfolio prep
• Design and build
• Biophilic design 

No previous design experience is required to participate in this awesome architecture summer program. 

Colleges look beyond excellent grades and test scores when evaluating applicants. At the most selective schools, extracurriculars generally play a huge role in determining which students will make the cut. 

There are four tiers of extracurricular activities that colleges think about when reviewing applicants’ activities. Selective, competitive, and prestigious activities are often found in the top tiers, Tier 1 and Tier 2. 

Tier 1 includes things such as being a highly recruited basketball player or an award-winning national science fair competitor. Tier 2 is similar, but is usually reserved for activities that are more common than those in Tier 1. Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more common extracurricular achievements, such as holding school leadership positions or being a member of a debate team. 

Summer programs are variable in terms of impressiveness on the four tiers, but generally they will fall between Tiers 2 and 3. Typically, the more selective a program is, the better it will look on your application. Moreover, programs that are free will be more likely to give you an edge than those that are costly. 

To find out how business programs and other aspects of your profile affect your chances of admission at top colleges, check out CollegeVine’s chancing engine . This free tool will also give you tips on how to improve your profile!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Best Creative Writing colleges in Ohio 2024

Best creative writing colleges in ohio for 2024.

Miami University-Oxford offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a outlying town. In 2022, 46 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 34 Bachelor's degrees, and 12 Master's degrees.

Bowling Green State University-Main Campus offers 4 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a outlying town. In 2022, 26 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 14 Bachelor's degrees, 11 Master's degrees, and 1 Certificate.

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus offers 5 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 53 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 30 Bachelor's degrees, 13 Certificates, 9 Doctoral degrees, and 1 Master's degree.

Ohio University-Main Campus offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2022, 24 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 24 Bachelor's degrees.

Kent State University at Kent offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 6 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 6 Master's degrees.

Youngstown State University offers 2 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 4 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 4 Master's degrees.

Oberlin College offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a outlying town. In 2022, 28 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 28 Bachelor's degrees.

University of Akron Main Campus offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 4 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 4 Master's degrees.

Cleveland State University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 6 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 6 Master's degrees.

Baldwin Wallace University offers 1 Creative Writing degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 3 Creative Writing students graduated with students earning 3 Bachelor's degrees.

Find local colleges with Creative Writing majors in Ohio

List of all creative writing colleges in ohio.

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Exchange Programs

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Sf creative writing institute to offer week-long summer camp, announcement details, announcement message.

In this one week-workshop style summer camp, teens will write stories, novel excerpts, nonfiction, and poetry in a fun, inclusive environment. 

Our goal is self-expression. Our methods are learning by doing, teaching young writers to find their unique voice, try out different styles in their writing, and follow the artistic process to see where it leads. 

Taught by working artist and college English instructor.

Ages: 

Date: .

Aug. 12-16, 2024

Time: 

12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Location: 

Harvey Milk Center for the Arts 

50 Scott Street 

San Francisco, Calif. 94117

Cost: 

Use code SAVE50 to get early bird discount of 50 percent off before July 1. 

SFUSD neither endorses nor sponsors the organization or activity described in this announcement. This distribution is provided as a community service.

Announcement Links

• College of Arts & Sciences
• Graduate Division
• College of Liberal and Professional Studies

Kelly Writers House Summer Workshop Alum Deborah Olatunji featured in Penn Today

Check out this fantastic  Penn Today feature on fourth-year student Deborah Olatunji, whose journey at Penn began with the Kelly Writers House Summer Workshop . Though initially intending to major in nursing, Deb discovered that her true passion lay in exploring identity, vulnerability, and mental health advocacy.  

Four years later, Deb has changed her major, started a podcast , studied abroad in South Africa, and launched the Black Storytellers Collective, a transnational project that connects Black writers across the diaspora. Through it all, the Kelly Writers House has remained a source of community and Deb's "third place" at Penn.

Read more about Deb's extraordinary path at the link below.

2024 Best Colleges with Creative Writing Degrees in Missouri

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• Global studies
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• International relations
• Kinesiology/therapy
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1-10 of 10 results

Washington University in St. Louis

Saint Louis, MO •

• • Rating 4.11 out of 5   1,573 reviews

Sophomore: I am a sophomore at WashU. The depth of the education and the number of opportunities (if you seek them) can be life-changing. The business school is super good at hosting recruitment events if your interested in business careers, and the academics ARE HARD -- You will do a lot of work. CS department could be stronger; premed/ bio/chem/pre-law deps / olin are excellent. The undergraduate student body is tight-knit and mostly extremely friendly. People are very smart but not obnoxious or entitled. Campus life is great because many of the undergrads (freshmen, sophomores, and some juniors) live on campus. The housing is excellent, and many students have kitchens on campus. St Louis is certainly not a luxury city (i.e. NY or LA) but does have good restaurants (DRIVE NOT WALK AWAY) and a cheap cost of living (concerts are usually way cheaper). It is way better than being in the woods, but not the bestest place. The school has partially impeded on the fun with their attack on greek life. ... Read 1,573 reviews

• grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 12%

Net price $23,432

SAT range 1500-1570

#1 Best Colleges in Missouri .

Blue checkmark.

SAINT LOUIS, MO ,

1573 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says I am a sophomore at WashU. The depth of the education and the number of opportunities (if you seek them) can be life-changing. The business school is super good at hosting recruitment events if your... The undergraduate student body is tight-knit and mostly extremely friendly. People are very smart but not obnoxious or entitled. Campus life is great because many of the undergrads (freshmen,... .

Read 1573 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 12% ,

Net Price : $23,432 ,

SAT Range : 1500-1570 ,

University of Missouri - St. Louis

• • Rating 3.58 out of 5   1,048 reviews

Junior: I really like UMSL because it's the sister school of Mizzou where I got my nursing degree. I was really happy with all of the remote options for classes because I work night shift. I've really enjoyed school because it's giving me a sense of grounding and security. I also like the consistency of working toward my goals. I've found the content to be super valuable in every day life. I'm learning a lot about myself and gaining new perspectives on how things are. I got to visit campus for the first time this past weekend for my friend's graduation. It's a very beautiful campus and very clean. I really liked walking around the atmosphere of it all. ... Read 1,048 reviews

• grade  B+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 51%

Net price $13,211

SAT range 1040-1210

#7 Best Colleges in Missouri .

This school participates in Niche Direct Admissions

1048 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says I really like UMSL because it's the sister school of Mizzou where I got my nursing degree. I was really happy with all of the remote options for classes because I work night shift. I've really... .

Read 1048 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 51% ,

Net Price : $13,211 ,

SAT Range : 1040-1210 ,

Truman State University

Kirksville, MO •

• • Rating 3.62 out of 5   1,106 reviews

Sophomore: In terms of academics, Truman is really excellent. With proficient lecturers and frequent visits of distinguished guest from all walks of life to share experiences with us. The SAB as well organizes frequent events for students to create meaningful memories. The only downside I have is the town, it doesn't really have a lot to offer. But if you're very particular about your academics and not much of a party type, Truman is a great choice. ... Read 1,106 reviews

Acceptance rate 45%

Net price $13,993

SAT range 1070-1330

#11 Best Colleges in Missouri .

KIRKSVILLE, MO ,

1106 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says In terms of academics, Truman is really excellent. With proficient lecturers and frequent visits of distinguished guest from all walks of life to share experiences with us. The SAB as well organizes... .

Read 1106 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 45% ,

Net Price : $13,993 ,

SAT Range : 1070-1330 ,

Cleveland State University

CLEVELAND, OH

• • Rating 3.65 out of 5   2,001

Pratt Institute

BROOKLYN, NY

• • Rating 3.56 out of 5   866

University of Central Missouri

WARRENSBURG, MO

• • Rating 3.66 out of 5   1,279

Webster University

• • Rating 3.71 out of 5   1,065 reviews

Alum: My overall experience was not so positive throughout my nearly two-and-a-half years stay at Webster. And I believe it was due to some bit of administrative challenges from the school's management. For instance, it was nearly impossible to believe that a typical American University should lag behind time consciousness during certain important programs run by the school despite, the Lecture times being strictly adhered to in most instances. The reason was that I was anticipating learning new ways of doing things considering the school's background. Aside from that Webster was an expensive school with tuition in the dollar equivalency. ... Read 1,065 reviews

• grade  B Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 55%

Net price $23,069

SAT range 1020-1290

#18 Best Colleges in Missouri .

1065 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says My overall experience was not so positive throughout my nearly two-and-a-half years stay at Webster. And I believe it was due to some bit of administrative challenges from the school's management.... .

Read 1065 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B ,

Acceptance Rate : 55% ,

Net Price : $23,069 ,

SAT Range : 1020-1290 ,

St. Charles Community College

Cottleville, MO •

• • Rating 3.82 out of 5   514 reviews

Freshman: Saint Charles Community College is a small college with keep tuition. There’s not very many parties and the food isn’t great but the teachers there are truly invested in your learning and want to see you succeed. The class sizes or often in the smaller side so the teachers have plenty of time to directly engage with each and every student and make themselves readily available even outside of school to make sure that students can get the help they need, when they need it. I’ve seen an incline in my grades since starting my attendance there compared to my grades in high school and I would highly recommend looking into it if interested in completing an associates degree! ... Read 514 reviews

• grade  B minus Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 100%

Net price $1,000

SAT range —

#7 Best Community Colleges in Missouri .

COTTLEVILLE, MO ,

514 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Saint Charles Community College is a small college with keep tuition. There’s not very many parties and the food isn’t great but the teachers there are truly invested in your learning and want to see... .

Read 514 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B minus ,

Acceptance Rate : 100% ,

Net Price : $1,000 ,

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO •

• • Rating 3.67 out of 5   951 reviews

Freshman: Lindenwood University offers a wide range of degrees and services to students. I'm currently an online student and I love the professors that are very tentative to my needs and are willing to do extra studying zooms calls with other online students to help us with any exam. I would love for more teachers to have Zoom calls going over our syllabus or just monthly video chats about what our work is going to look like for the month. For my degree, my advisor actually did that for us just to have us know what we are aware of for our futures. In addition, it is extremely helpful to get to know students more! Being online makes me feel very isolated and disconnected from other students and the college itself very often. Having a chance to video chat to see the professor's smiling face makes me feel safe and stable in my academic choices! ... Read 951 reviews

Acceptance rate 74%

Net price $18,016

SAT range 960-1230

SAINT CHARLES, MO ,

951 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Lindenwood University offers a wide range of degrees and services to students. I'm currently an online student and I love the professors that are very tentative to my needs and are willing to do... .

Read 951 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 74% ,

Net Price : $18,016 ,

SAT Range : 960-1230 ,

• Will you get in? Understand your chances of getting accepted into any college in the country, and it's completely free

Kansas City Art Institute

Kansas City, MO •

• • Rating 3.6 out of 5   336 reviews

Freshman: Kansas City Art Institute has been an absolutely amazing experience for me as a current student. The rooms are primarily two to a room and are quite comfortable, even having options for people with hearing disadvantages or other disabilities. There are only four floors in the dorms so in the chance that an elevator does brake, it isn't a completely horrible thing. There is also a parking garage that you can store your car in so you can keep it safe. The area around the art institute is absolutely amazing. There is an art museum barely even a block away and the plaza is a place that is full of fun stores and shops to look through, many run by small businesses. The only downside for the school is the food and that it is a requirement to purchase the meal plan if you live in the dorms. Other than that, the teachers and faculty are amazing and I would definitely recommend coming to this school. ... Read 336 reviews

• grade  C+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 58%

Net price $29,373

KANSAS CITY, MO ,

336 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Kansas City Art Institute has been an absolutely amazing experience for me as a current student. The rooms are primarily two to a room and are quite comfortable, even having options for people with... .

Read 336 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : C+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 58% ,

Net Price : $29,373 ,

Missouri Southern State University

Joplin, MO •

• • Rating 3.66 out of 5   663 reviews

Freshman: It's pretty small, I'd really love for it to expand one day. I love all the events this place has, and it's really secure and safe to be around. I love the dorms, too! ... Read 663 reviews

Acceptance rate 99%

Net price $10,061

SAT range 960-1220

JOPLIN, MO ,

663 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says It's pretty small, I'd really love for it to expand one day. I love all the events this place has, and it's really secure and safe to be around. I love the dorms, too! .

Read 663 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 99% ,

Net Price : $10,061 ,

SAT Range : 960-1220 ,

Calvary University

• • Rating 3.9 out of 5   51 reviews

Alum: I enjoyed it very much. If I had any issues, they were handled immediately leaving me to feel that I was important. Great school! ... Read 51 reviews

Acceptance rate 63%

Net price $14,897

SAT range 870-1170

51 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I enjoyed it very much. If I had any issues, they were handled immediately leaving me to feel that I was important. Great school! .

Read 51 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 63% ,

Net Price : $14,897 ,

SAT Range : 870-1170 ,

Stephens College

Columbia, MO •

• • Rating 3.72 out of 5   407 reviews

Junior: With Stephens being an all girls college, the feelings of comfort and safety is always there! Mizzou is right down the road for all the parties or even downtown Columbia. Walking at night can be scary, but there are security officers who love walking you to and from places. It is a smaller college so you know everyone and even if you don’t know someone, they will smile at you and become your friend; true story. All of the girls are very friendly and welcoming. The professors are very understanding and willing to help. Being a full time nursing student and there, they are very accommodating. The sports teams are very friendly, supportive, and easily become family! ... Read 407 reviews

Acceptance rate 65%

Net price $26,372

SAT range 1050-1240

COLUMBIA, MO ,

407 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says With Stephens being an all girls college, the feelings of comfort and safety is always there! Mizzou is right down the road for all the parties or even downtown Columbia. Walking at night can be... .

Read 407 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 65% ,

Net Price : $26,372 ,

SAT Range : 1050-1240 ,

KIRKSVILLE, MO

• • Rating 3.62 out of 5   1,106

Central Michigan University

MOUNT PLEASANT, MI

• • Rating 3.74 out of 5   3,027

St. Norbert College

DE PERE, WI

• • Rating 3.79 out of 5   762

Showing results 1 through 10 of 10

International Programs

Meet Jongkwan Yun: From South Korea to Iowa, gaining real-world experience in sport management

Jongkwan Yun is a senior at the University of Iowa (UI) majoring in sport and recreation management with a concentration area in communications public relations/journalism, while minoring in news and media literacy. Yun's interest in sports began as a ski instructor at Konjiam Resort in South Korea. When he was a student in sports management at a Korean college, he had a chance to study abroad in Canada and intern at IFung Sports Management, a Canadian soccer agency . These experiences led him to transfer to Iowa to further his undergraduate studies and gain work experience.  

“I was accepted to several colleges in the U.S. when I was looking to transfer, and the two biggest reasons I chose Iowa were credit recognition and field experience classes,” reflected Yun. “I chose my concentration area and minor because there is an unofficial saying in sport management: ‘A minor is mandatory, double major is optional.’ Also, Iowa ranks high in journalism.”

"Embrace the challenge! It is okay to get hit a lot and get hurt a lot — we are students at Iowa, where we have the support and resources to help us get back up if we fall."

Internship at the Iowa Cubs

After gaining hands-on field experience from the UI Athletic Department Fans First, Yun is currently interning in the operations and promotions department of the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, through curricular practical training (CPT). “The help from UI International Student and Scholar Services and Professor Anna Jensen, director of Office of Field Experience in sport and recreation management, was invaluable when getting a full-time CPT,” shared Yun, who is a recipient of the 2024 UI International Student Graduation Most Unique CPT Award.  

Future career aspirations

Looking ahead, Yun aims to land a position with a major South Korean company later this year, like Hyundai or CJ CheilJedang, both of which have a sport management and marketing department. If that does not work out, he plans to use Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work for a Major League team in the U.S. before returning to South Korea to work in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).  

Advice for international students

Yun suggested, “Take advantage of CPT and OPT opportunities. Many things can be learned through classes at school, but I think more things can be learned in the field while working.” Emphasizing his practical approach, he added, “It’s better to draw your dreams through one experience rather than through many contemplations.”

Yun’s closing message is a note of self-reflection and encouragement to fellow international students: Embrace the challenge! It is okay to get hit a lot and get hurt a lot — we are students at Iowa, where we have the support and resources to help us get back up if we fall. 

learn more about cpt and opt

International Programs  (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.

• International Student Graduation Celebration
• international students and scholars

International Programs at the University of Iowa supports the right of all individuals to live freely and to live in peace. We condemn all acts of violence based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and perceived national or cultural origin. In affirming its commitment to human dignity, International Programs strongly upholds the values expressed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights .