If you're a high school student looking to sharpen your writing skills this summer, you're in the right place. Summer programs can be a great way to explore creative writing, learn new techniques, and even get a taste of what it's like to be a professional writer.
Whether you dream of writing novels, poetry, or short stories, there are plenty of opportunities in 2024-2025 to help you grow as a creative writer. Here’s our list of 10 creative writing summer programs for high school students in 2024-2025!
10 Creative Writing Summer Programs for High School Students
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Spring 2025: February 16, 2025; Summer 2025: February 16 (early), March 23 (priority), April 20 (regular-I), May 18 (regular-II)!
Program Dates: Spring 2025: March 3, 2025; Summer 2025: June 16, 2025! Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance. Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more. It is one of the few programs that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research.
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research, you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
This program is a solid opportunity for you to pursue a research program in highly specialized fields under the guidance of a top scholar. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects and college applications. Apply here!
Cost: $3,960
Program Dates: May 26 – July 4, 2025 for Summer 2025
Deadlines: Accepting applications now
Location: Online
Subject Areas: Creative Writing
Eligibility: Domestic and international students enrolled in grades 9-12
If you’re interested in improving your writing, the Columbia Writing Academy offers a two-week online course that could help you take your skills further. The course requires six to eight hours of work each week, which includes reading, writing assignments, one-on-one tutorials, and participation in weekly Zoom workshops.
In partnership with the School of the Arts, the program offers workshops and seminars in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The course is designed for students who are interested in writing and want to develop their abilities. By the end of the program, you’ll have gained writing knowledge and completed essays for your college applications. Click here to apply.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: May 2025
Program Deadlines: February 24, 2025
Location: Online and in-person versions will be available throughout the year, culminating in a 10-day residential program at the end of July
Subject Areas: Journalism
Eligibility: Be a junior in high school, live in the U.S., have a minimum unweighted grade point average equivalent to 3.5/4, and meet at least one of the socioeconomic conditions listed here. First-generation college students will be given priority.
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) is a free, year-long opportunity for high school juniors from limited-income backgrounds. You’ll explore the connection between journalism and key social and political issues while preparing for college.
This program includes workshops and lectures on current events, led by Princeton professors, professional journalists, and alumni. You’ll also attend a 10-day residential experience on Princeton’s campus, where you’ll publish the annual Princeton Summer Journal. Throughout your senior year, you’ll work with a personal college advisor to build a college list, refine essays, submit applications, and finalize your college choice.
Cost: $575 for the online version and $2,500 for the in-person version. Full tuition and partial grants are available.
Program Dates: 2-week summer residential program (June - July), 6-week online program (January - February, June - August)
Deadlines: February 2, 2025
Location: Iowa City, in-person and online
Subject Areas: Poetry, Fiction, Creative Writing, Playwriting, or TV writing
Eligibility: 10th, 11th and 12th graders
The Iowa Young Writers’ Studio allows high school students to focus on their writing in poetry, fiction, creative writing, playwriting, or TV writing. You’ll engage in workshops, seminars, and feedback sessions to develop your skills in the genres you’re passionate about.
The program offers a mix of structured activities like workshops and open mics, as well as social events and icebreakers to connect with other students. You’ll share your work with peers and mentors, gaining constructive feedback to refine your craft. Mentors include University of Iowa graduates, many of whom have prior experience in the Iowa Writers' Workshop.
Cost: July Session (Virtual) $1,025, August Session (On campus) $1,550, Limited scholarships available to Yonkers Public School students
Program Dates: July - August, actual dates will be announced in January 2025
Application Deadline: Registrations open in February
Location: Bronxville, NY, Commuter Program
Subject Areas: Creative Writing
Eligibility: Students entering the 9th to 12th grades the following fall. Students must be age 14 or older at the start of the program.
Sarah Lawrence College's Writers Week is a week-long program that combines creative writing and performance arts, offering workshops in prose, poetry, and various theater disciplines. You’ll take part in daily writing and theater workshops led by experienced instructors, including Sarah Lawrence College graduate students, alumni, and the Writing Institute faculty. The program creates a supportive environment with small class sizes, typically limited to 18 students, ensuring you receive personalized attention and feedback.
Cost: CA State Residents – $4,830, Out-of-State and International Students – $9,977, financial aid is available for California residents
Program Dates: July 5 - August 1, 2025
Application Deadline: Applications are open now
Location: Sacramento, CA
Subject Areas: Creative Writing, Music, Dance, Theatre
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in grades 8 through 12
The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSA) offers a four-week creative writing program for high school students looking to improve their writing skills. You’ll learn fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and dramatic writing from professional writers and educators in small classes with about nine students per teacher. The program provides personalized feedback and guidance to help you refine your writing. If you complete the program, you can earn three college credits from the California State University system.
Cost: On Campus is $3,275, and online is $1,320
Program Dates: Applications open on January 15, 2025
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
Location: Online and on campus
Subject Areas: Writing, Storytelling, Art
Eligibility: Students aged 16 - 18 and are rising high school seniors
The Yale Young Writers’ Workshop (YYWW) is a one-week program for high school students, focusing on fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or graphic storytelling. Offered both online and on campus, the program includes daily workshops, craft talks, and lectures led by experienced writers, editors, and industry professionals. You’ll work in small groups, receiving personalized feedback to refine your writing style. The program also features guest speakers, readings, and open mic sessions where you can share your work with peers and faculty. Throughout the week, you’ll have one-on-one conferences with instructors to ensure your writing gets focused attention.
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 22, 2025 – July 26, 2025
Application Deadline: Applications closed on December 3, 2024
Location: Cornell University, University of Maryland, and University of Michigan
Subject Areas: Humanities and Social Studies
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders
The Telluride Association Summer Seminars (TASS) isn’t specifically a creative writing program, but it offers valuable writing skills through critical thinking. The program focuses on reading, essay writing, and understanding complex topics, helping you improve your ability to express ideas clearly.
TASS is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 3-5%. You can choose between two courses: TASS-CBS (Critical Black Studies) or TASS-AOS (Anti-Oppressive Studies). Both explore themes like literature, art, and culture, giving you insight into important social and political issues while strengthening your writing.
Cost: $450
Program Dates: TBA
Application Deadline: TBA
Location: Online
Subject Areas: Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction/Memoir
Eligibility: 9th to 12th graders
The Adroit Journal’s Summer Mentorship Program is an online opportunity for high school students interested in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction/memoir writing. You’ll be paired with an established writer who will provide personalized mentorship to help you refine your craft. The program offers individualized support, and while peer activities are part of the experience, the main focus is on your personal development as a writer. With a selective acceptance rate of 8-9%, this program offers a chance to receive tailored guidance and feedback.
Location: On campus at American University, Washington D.C.
Cost: Free
Application deadline: January 31, 2025
Program dates: TBA
Eligibility: Open to 9th, 10th and 11th graders
The Asian American Journalists Association’s JCAMP is known for its diverse and practical approach to journalism, offering you a chance to gain real-world experience. You’ll participate in workshops led by experienced professionals, take field trips, and have the opportunity to create news packages for the program’s news site. By the end of the program, you’ll have published work, giving you a strong start in your journalism career. With only around 30 students selected from hundreds of applicants, it’s a highly competitive opportunity.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.