15 Writing Programs for High School Students
If you’re a high school student looking to strengthen your writing skills, structured programs can be a valuable way to explore the field. These programs help you build practical abilities, gain exposure to different forms of writing, and connect with mentors who work in creative industries.
Many top colleges, literary organizations, and education-focused nonprofits offer accessible opportunities that guide you through writing tasks and help you understand what it’s like to develop work for an audience. These programs provide a supportive environment to refine your voice, experiment with new genres, and receive personalized feedback. Virtual options make it easier to participate from anywhere, giving you flexibility and offering meaningful learning experiences. To simplify your search, we’ve narrowed down the top 15 writing programs for high school students that offer strong mentorship, practice, and opportunities to grow.
1. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
Location: Hybrid — online + Princeton University campus, New Jersey
Cost/Stipend: All residential program costs are fully covered, including travel, housing, meals, and equipment
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Online workshops begin the week of July 1; Residential session runs July 24–August 3
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors
In this year-long program, you will explore journalism through a mix of online workshops and a residential experience at Princeton University. During July, you will attend virtual lectures with professional journalists, complete weekly readings on current events, and begin drafting your own articles. You will also work with an assigned college counselor to prepare components of your college applications. The residential portion includes staying in undergraduate dorms, participating in writing workshops, and observing journalism in practice through visits to major news organizations such as The New York Times, Huffington Post, and Bloomberg. Throughout the program, you will report on live events, create digital content, conduct interviews, and contribute to producing The Princeton Summer Journal, the program’s student-run newspaper.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote (students can participate from anywhere)
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies by program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Program Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary - Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships places high school students in remote roles with early-stage and rapidly growing start-ups. During the program, you work under the guidance of a company manager in areas such as technology, AI and machine learning, health tech, marketing, journalism, or consulting. Your assignments involve contributing to active projects, allowing you to apply practical skills to real tasks within the organization. Many of the participating companies are expanding quickly and have received notable funding, creating a dynamic environment for your work. Throughout the internship, you collaborate with professionals, build workplace competencies, and prepare a final presentation outlining your project outcomes. Because the program is fully remote, you can join from any location while gaining hands-on experience in a professional setting.
3. L.A. Times High School Insider Summer Internship
Location: Hybrid — El Segundo, California + remote
Cost/Stipend: Paid at $16.90 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 16–August 1
Application Deadline: February 26 at 11:59 p.m.
Eligibility: High school students graduating in the next 3 years who live in Los Angeles or Orange County and can work onsite
This seven-week hybrid internship gives you the chance to work as a student journalist in collaboration with the L.A. Times High School Insider team. You will cover stories that matter to young people, ranging from breaking news to long-form features, while experimenting with multimedia formats. Throughout the internship, you’ll receive guidance from newsroom mentors, attend skill-building workshops, and participate in structured training sessions. Your weekly schedule combines onsite work in the El Segundo office with one remote workday, giving you exposure to both in-person reporting and digital workflows. Your responsibilities will include interviewing sources, drafting stories, and revising your work with editors.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type. 100% financial aid available
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Dates: By cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Ranging from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with a structured, mentor-led research experience. Over roughly 12 weeks—longer for certain cohorts—you work individually with a Ph.D. mentor to develop and complete an independent research project. The program covers a wide range of fields, including physics, psychology, economics, chemistry, engineering, data science, computer science, and international relations. Throughout the process, you’ll learn how to form a research question, assess sources, and improve your academic writing. Your project concludes with a full research paper that reflects your findings. Program schedules, costs, and application deadlines vary by cohort, and full financial aid is offered.
5. Reynolds Young Writers Workshop at Denison
Location: Denison University, Granville, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: Program fee: $1,700 (includes tuition, housing, meals); financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Workshops limited to 12 students per group
Dates: June 19–28
Application Deadline: March 3 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (students who have completed 10th or 11th grade)
This 10-day residential workshop is designed for high school writers who want focused time to develop their creative writing skills within a supportive community. You’ll participate in small morning workshops where you read, write, and exchange feedback on fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction, guided by faculty members. The afternoons include craft talks with visiting writers, additional workshops, and activities that range from writing sessions to outdoor excursions such as hiking in Denison’s bio-reserve. The evenings blend readings, structured writing time, and opportunities to meet individually with faculty or receive informal feedback from teaching associates. The program also includes recreational activities and a group visit to the Columbus Museum of Art, giving you a balance of creative work and exploration.
6. Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops
Location: Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio + Online
Cost/Stipend: Winter Online: $695, Summer Online: $995, Summer Residential: $2,575
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Winter Online: January 24–February 28; Summer Online: June 14–19; Summer Residential: Session One: June 21–July 4; Session Two: July 12–25
Application Deadline: Winter Online applications due December 15. Summer deadlines open early 2026.
Eligibility: High school students
In the Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops, you’ll join a supportive literary community where you can stretch your creative abilities and experiment with new forms of writing. Across formats, you’ll engage in workshops that help you produce fresh short stories, poems, and essays. You’ll spend time discussing the craft of writing and rewriting with instructors and peers, giving you opportunities to refine your voice and understand how writers think critically about their choices. In the online programs, you will benefit from one-on-one conferences, synchronous workshop time, and optional readings, while the residential program allows you to live on campus, work in college classrooms, and experience a vibrant literary environment.
7. Alpha Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Workshop for Young Writers
Location: University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: Tuition is $1,800; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 20 students each year
Dates: July 15–July 26
Application Deadline: February 1–March 1
Eligibility: Students ages 14–19
This twelve-day residential workshop is designed for young writers interested in science fiction, fantasy, or horror. You’ll learn directly from established authors through lectures, writing exercises, and small-group discussions, with guest writers spending two days each on campus to guide you through their creative process. Throughout the program, you’ll draft an original short story of at least 2,000 words and receive structured feedback as you revise your work. You can also gain insight into submitting stories to professional markets and understanding what a writing career can involve. The daily activities combine idea generation, critique sessions, and practical lessons in revision, with additional support available for accessibility or technological needs.
8. 92NY Young Writers Workshop (Ages 15–18)
Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $2,600 (scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not stated; applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Dates: July 14–31
Application Deadline: July 8
Eligibility: Open to students ages 15–18; writing sample required
If you’re interested in strengthening your writing across multiple genres, this three-week program gives you structured practice in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. You’ll begin with poetry, where you will learn how to create vivid images and experiment with form under the guidance of instructors. In the second week, you will shift to fiction and work on developing characters, voice, and narrative structure through hands-on exercises. The final week focuses on nonfiction forms such as journalism, narrative history, personal essays, and podcast-style storytelling. Each day includes morning lessons followed by afternoon roundtable workshops, giving you opportunities to collaborate with peers and receive targeted feedback on your writing.
9. NYC Summer Academy (Journalism Program)
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: $6,195 (Day Students) or $7,695 (Residential Students) per two-week term
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not stated
Dates: Term 1: June 7–19; Term 2: June 21–July 3; Term 3: July 5–17; Term 4: July 19–31
Application Deadline: Not stated
Eligibility: Open to rising high school students (grades 10–12) and graduating seniors; students must be 15–18 years old by the program start date
In this two-week journalism program, you will explore major topics shaping media, culture, sports, business, fashion, and public affairs through hands-on reporting and writing. You’ll learn from journalists, editors, and media professionals who bring newsroom experience into the classroom. The courses emphasize essential skills such as interviewing, media literacy, narrative writing, editing, and multimedia storytelling. You may also participate in activities that take you into NYC communities, giving you firsthand exposure to how stories are developed and reported. Residential students stay in university housing and gain structured support while navigating the city. The program’s term-based format lets you select multiple sessions if you want a deeper experience across different journalism fields.
10. The Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: $575 tuition; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size not stated
Dates: June 20 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: Open to high school students (including graduating seniors) and gap year students
In this mentorship-based program, you work one-on-one with an established writer as you develop original work in poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. The structure is highly individualized, focusing on flexible correspondence rather than formal classes. Poetry students share new work weekly, while fiction and nonfiction students exchange drafts biweekly, allowing you to practice consistent writing, deep revision, and thoughtful peer engagement. You will also receive feedback from mentors and fellow writers, giving you insight into how creative works evolve through critique. This program emphasizes writing discipline, communication skills, and exploration of your own creative potential.
11. California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) – Writing Program
Location: Valencia, California (residential)
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies yearly; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~70 students in the Writing Program
Dates: Four-week program (Summer)
Application Deadline: Varies annually; typically early spring
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 8–12, including rising 9th–12th graders and students graduating in the spring. Students should have a strong interest in creative writing
In this four-week program, you will explore poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and dramatic writing through daily workshops and focused instruction. You’ll learn from professional writers, educators, and visiting guests such as journalists, agents, and nationally recognized authors who offer insight into craft and the writing process. Throughout the month, you will participate in core workshops across all genres and choose a focus class to deepen your skills in a specific area. You will also take part in weekly readings, colloquium sessions discussing new work, and collaborative conversations about writing techniques. Students may earn 3 units of California State University elective credit upon successful completion.
12. Writers Week: Summer Writing & Theatre for Teens (Sarah Lawrence College)
Location: Bronxville, New York (on-campus day program + virtual option)
Cost/Stipend: $1,195 (virtual); $1,950 (on campus)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Classes capped at 18 students
Dates: Virtual Session: July 6–10, On-Campus Session 1: July 20–24, On-Campus Session 2: August 3–7
Application Deadline: Rolling (registration required)
Eligibility: Open to rising 9th–12th graders aged 14+
In this one-week program, you will take part in daily writing workshops that emphasize generative prompts, cross-genre exploration, and discussions of craft. You’ll work with MFA writing students in small classes, sharing work, receiving individualized feedback, and building your creative process. You will also participate in theatre workshops that use improvisation, collaborative projects, and games to help you understand storytelling from a performance perspective. These sessions introduce areas such as screenwriting, sketch comedy, musical songwriting, and playwriting, giving you a broad look at narrative forms. Throughout the week, you will attend mini-workshops, guest artist sessions, faculty readings, and peer sharing events. Students who complete the program earn one transferable college credit from Sarah Lawrence College.
13. Sewanee Young Writers’ Conference (SYWC)
Location: Sewanee, Tennessee
Cost/Stipend: $2,600 (tuition, room & board)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~85 students; workshops capped at 12
Dates: June 28 – July 11
Application Deadline: Applications open in December 2025 and close in March 2026
Eligibility: Open to high school students with an interest in creative writing
This two-week program provides an immersive introduction to fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and playwriting through small, rigorous workshops capped at twelve students. Your morning sessions will focus on developing craft, workshopping drafts, and receiving individualized feedback through one-on-one conferences with instructors. The afternoon activities include discussions with guest authors, short craft classes, and a visit to the Sewanee Review, offering exposure to professional literary settings. The schedule also builds in time for independent reading and writing, helping you concentrate on developing your voice. Each evening features faculty or guest readings that allow you to learn directly from practicing writers.
14. Juniper Institute for Young Writers — Residential Program
Location: University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst), MA
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $5,100; Commuter: $2,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited spots; Writing Labs capped at 10
Dates: Session 1: July 13–26; Session 2: July 27–August 9
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Open to rising 10th–12th graders
In this two-week residential program, you will engage in intensive Writing Labs, exploring genres, exchanging feedback, and working with a Creative Writing Instructor. You’ll participate in daily craft sessions, Writer’s Life talks, participant readings, and write-along activities designed to broaden your creative practice. The program includes opportunities to experience the literary culture of Western Massachusetts through field trips and campus programming. During “Intensive Week,” you will receive one-on-one mentorship to support the development of a focused writing project. Small peer accountability groups help you refine your work and learn about next steps, such as revision strategies and publication pathways. You may also opt to be considered for the online program if not admitted to the residential session.
15. University of Iowa – 2-Week Summer Residential Writing Program
Location: University of Iowa campus, Iowa City, Iowa
Cost/Stipend: $2,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Session 1: June 14–27; Session 2: July 12–25
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
In this two-week residential program, you’ll spend your time immersed in the art and craft of creative writing while living on the University of Iowa campus. You’ll take one core course for the full session, choosing from fiction, poetry, creative writing, TV writing, or playwriting, taught by graduates of the Iowa Writers' Workshop and other University of Iowa MFA programs. Throughout the program, you will share your work with peers, receive constructive feedback, and participate in activities that will help you explore new writing techniques. You will also attend readings by published writers, craft workshops, and discussions on topics like revision and literary translation. There will be collaborative projects, open mics, and informal social events that provide additional opportunities to connect with other young writers and learn from diverse perspectives.
Image Source - Princeton University Logo