The creative writing field has a broad range of benefits and applications, and you can use it to write and structure your content or write in different ways. As a bonus, it can help you become a better reader and communicate better. But what are the best writing programs and camps for high schoolers to go to? We’ll break down a comprehensive list below.
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1. JCamp
This free program lasts six days, and the Asian American Journalist Association hosts it. The goal is to bring together a diverse student group from across the United States. Leading media executives and veteran journalists host workshops to give students hands-on experience and help sharpen their skills by creating multi-platform projects. Any student who is interested in journalism is highly encouraged to apply for this summer program.
- Application Deadline – March 17th
- Eligibility – High school students interested in journalism
- Fee or Stipend – Free
- Financial Assistance – N/A – Free
- Location – Washington D.C.
- Program Dates – July 15 to 21
2. Princeton Summer Journalism Program
Each year, 40 low-income, high-achieving students get picked to participate in this program. Students will listen to lectures, explore current events, and get hands-on experience through workshops led by Princeton professors and professional journalists. At the end of the program, students showcase their work by publishing the Princeton Summer Journal.
- Application Deadline – February 27th
- Eligibility – High school junior, minimum of 3.5 GPA, and meet one of the three following criteria: qualify for free or reduced lunch, be eligible for a waiver for the ACT or SAT fees, or have parents/guardians with a combined annual income of less than $60,000, including child support payments.
- Fee or Stipend – Free
- Financial Assistance – N/A – Free
- Location – Princeton, New Jersey
- Program Dates – July 28 to August 7
3. Sarah Lawrence Writers Week
Sarah Lawrence alums and faculty immerses students in a non-judgmental and non-competitive environment to explore the creative writing process. Students split into smaller 18-person groups for every two faculty members to get more 1:1 attention. Students will participate in games, group projects, and improvisation before attending faculty and student reading celebrations at the end of the week.
- Application Deadline – TBD
- Eligibility – Be a 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grader interested in journalism
- Fee or Stipend – $725 for virtual and $1,125 for in-person
- Financial Assistance – Limited number of scholarships to Yonkers Public School students
- Location – Bronxville, NY or virtual
- Program Dates – TBD for 2024, but 2023’s was July 10 to 14 for virtual and August 7 to 11 for in-person
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4. Juniper Young Writers Online Writing Lab
Students participate in discussions and writing sessions and share questions during this program. Graduate students of UMass Amherst, published authors, and professional teachers lead this workshop to help students get insights into the creative writing process, learn writing tips, find inspiration, and form connections with young writers.
- Application Deadline – Rolling
- Eligibility – Be a rising sophomore through senior
- Fee or Stipend – $2,500
- Financial Assistance – Scholarships available
- Location – Amherst, MA
- Program Dates – July 23 to July 29
5. Reynolds Young Writers Workshop
For over 25 years, this program has welcomed roughly 48 high school writers each year. Led by visiting writers and Denison’s creative writing staff, students will get hands-on experience through group sessions and creative writing workshops. Participants will learn various writing techniques and styles while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.
- Application Deadline – March 1st
- Eligibility – Be a senior in high school with an interest in creative writing
- Fee or Stipend – $1,500
- Financial Assistance – Need-based through the Reynolds Endowment
- Location – Granville, OH
- Program Dates – June 24 to July 1
6. Alpha Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Workshop for Young Writers
Students take this 12-day course and learn how to turn their ideas into drafts. They critique each other’s work, revise their drafts, and submit their work to paying publishers and markets. It also gives an excellent introduction to college life, allowing them to explore being a professional writer in this program.
- Application Deadline – March 12
- Eligibility – Be 14 to 19 years old and interested in horror, fantasy, and science fiction writing
- Fee or Stipend – $1,200
- Financial Assistance – Scholarships available
- Location – Pittsburgh, PA
- Program Dates – July 19 to July 30
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7. Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Hosted by Cronkite staff, faculty, and students, participants learn about broadcast and digital journalism and sports media. They take workshops to learn how to pitch, report, and edit and how to be a good storyteller. They’ll get hands-on experience with photography, video editing, writing, reporting, and script development while they’re here.
- Application Deadline – April 1 (Opens in January)
- Eligibility – Open to high school students of all ages
- Fee or Stipend – $699
- Financial Assistance – Need-based scholarships available
- Location – Phoenix, AZ
- Program Dates – June 23 to 28
8. Shared Worlds
This fun program targets students interested in fantasy, science fiction, and steampunk. It’s a residential program where students attend workshops under the guidance of renowned science fiction and fantasy writers. Students will develop, draft, and write their own stories during the course.
- Application Deadline – Rolling until filled
- Eligibility – Residential 8th to 12th grade students
- Fee or Stipend – $2,500
- Financial Assistance – None
- Location – Spartanburg, SC
- Program Dates – July 16 to 29
9. Boston University Summer Journalism Academy
This program is designed to help students get a thorough introduction to the world of news reporting. Students start by practicing their skills in a classroom at Boston University before going to hands-on learning in a real newsroom. Students learn directly from working journalists who specialize in various topics.
- Application Deadline – Mid-May
- Eligibility – Must be between 14 and 18 years old
- Fee or Stipend – On-Campus is $6,000, On-Campus Commuter is $4,350, and virtual is $1,450
- Financial Assistance – Need-based scholarships
- Location – Boston University, Boston, MA
- Program Dates – Varies – Session 1 is June 20 to July 1; Session 2 is July 4 to July 15; Session 3 is July 18 to July 29
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10. Carnegie-Mellon University Writing and Culture Program
This program teaches high school students to express themselves and think critically and creatively. The course is taught by Carnegie-Mellon staff, and it features events and readings by local authors and a range of hands-on visits to local museums. Students will create a written portfolio that showcases culture, art, and film.
- Application Deadline – Rolling deadline
- Eligibility – Minimum of 16 years old and a high school sophomore or junior. Must maintain a B average of 3.0, and have to have a B or higher in your last English class.
- Fee or Stipend – $9,000 for the residential program and $6,932 for the commuter program
- Financial Assistance –
- Location – Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA
- Program Dates – July 5 to August 12
Find the Best Writing Programs and Camps for High Schoolers
If you’re a high school student interested in creative writing or you’re a parent of said student, Impressive Teens can help you find the perfect program to suit your tastes and skill levels. We encourage you to browse our list and find the course to sharpen your skills and kickstart your writing career.
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