Top 20 Summer Writing Programs for High School Students in 2025–2026

Are you a high school student looking for summer writing programs? The best summer writing programs for high school students like the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio and the Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop, offer intensive training in creative writing, journalism, poetry, and fiction while helping you build a strong portfolio for college applications.

In this guide, we highlight the top 20 Summer Writing Programs for High School Students for 2025–2026, featuring prestigious opportunities that strengthen your skills, demonstrate intellectual curiosity, and help you stand out in competitive admissions.

• What Are the Best Summer Writing Programs for High School Students?
• Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
• Stanford Humanities Institute (SHI)
• Iowa Young Writers’ Studio
• Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program
• Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop
• Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
• Columbia Scholastic Press Summer Journalism Workshop
• Juniper Institute for Young Writers
• Princeton University Summer Journalism Program
• Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Summer Program
• Northwestern Medill Cherubs Journalism Summer Program
• Brown Summer Programs
• E.W. Scripps School of Journalism High School Workshop
• Columbia University Creative Writing
• Georgetown Creative Writing Institute
• Carleton College Summer Writing Program
• Emerging Writers Institute at UC Berkeley
• Duke University Young Writers Camp
• Tisch Summer High School Dramatic Writing Program at NYU
• AAJA Journalism Camp (JCamp)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Summer Writing Programs for High School Students?

If you’re exploring the top summer writing programs for high school students, it helps to know what sets the best ones apart. The most reputable programs offer experienced instructors, hands-on workshops, and opportunities to build a strong writing portfolio. In this blog, we break down what makes these programs stand out and why they’re worth considering for your summer plans.

Below is a quick overview of the top summer writing programs for high school students:

Let’s discuss each program one by one.

1. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)

Dates: June 21 to July 25, 2026
Location: To be announced
Cost: free

The Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) is one of the most prestigious summer writing programs for high school students—a free, six-week residential experience held at select college campuses such as Cornell University and the University of Michigan.

All program costs are covered, including tuition, books, housing, and meals. Participants (rising juniors and seniors) engage in intensive seminars in the humanities and social sciences, honing their critical reading and writing skills under the guidance of college faculty. Admission is highly competitive, making TASS a transformative experience that strengthens college applications.

If you want a deeper look at how to get into this program, check out our complete guide to TASS.

2. Stanford Humanities Institute (SHI)

Dates: Session One runs June 21 – July 10 and Session Two runs July 12 – July 31
Location: Stanford campus
Cost: $8,850 (including housing and meals)

Stanford’s Summer Humanities Institute is a three-week academic summer writing program for high school students that immerses rising juniors and seniors in college-level humanities seminars on campus.

Students live in Stanford dorms and explore topics from literature to philosophy, guided by Stanford professors and PhD scholars.

SHI’s rigorous writing assignments, field trips, and an intellectual community on the Stanford campus help students elevate their writing craft and strengthen their college profiles in a scholarly environment.

Check out our complete guide to SHI for more information on this highly sought-after summer program.

3. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio

Dates: Session 1 runs June 14–27 and Session 2 runs July 12–25

Location: Iowa City
Cost: $2,500 per session (covering room, board, and materials); $10 reading fee

The Iowa Young Writers’ Studio, hosted by the University of Iowa, offers two-week summer sessions renowned among summer writing programs for high school students.

Students (rising juniors and seniors) select a core course in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, playwriting, or TV writing and are taught by graduates of Iowa’s famed Writers’ Workshop MFA program.

IYWS’s immersive workshops, expert mentorship, and literary community help young writers produce polished pieces and gain a standout experience for college essays and portfolios.

If you want a closer look at one of the most beloved creative writing experiences in the country, check out our complete guide to the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio.

4. Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program

Dates: mid-June through July 2026
Location: online
Cost: $575

The Adroit Journal’s Summer Mentorship Program is a highly selective online mentorship that stands out among summer writing programs for high school students for its one-on-one guidance from established writers.

This free-form, six-week program by The Adroit Journal pairs talented high school poets, fiction writers, or essayists with an accomplished mentor in their genre.

Students meet weekly (via correspondence and video chats) to share drafts and receive detailed feedback on craft rather than formal assignments.

Adroit’s program has an impressive track record—alumni have won national awards and over 65% have gone on to attend Ivy League and other top universities.

For a young writer seeking personalized development of voice and a notable mentorship on their college application, Adroit’s program offers an invaluable experience in a flexible, virtual format.

5. Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop

Dates: Session 1 runs June 21–July 4 and Session 2 runs July 12–25
Location: Kenyon College, Ohio
Cost: $2,575 (includes all instruction, housing, meals, and activities)

The Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop is a two-week intensive at Kenyon College (Ohio) that has long been regarded as a gem among summer writing programs for high school students.

During the workshop, rising juniors and seniors join a supportive literary community and participate in generative writing seminars and small-group critique sessions led by skilled instructors affiliated with the Kenyon Review.

Students experiment across genres (from short fiction and poetry to personal essays) and learn to refine their unique voice. The program is taught on the campus of a college renowned for its literary tradition. This, together with the intensive feedback students receive, makes it a formative experience that strengthens both their writing portfolios and their college applications.

Explore our full guide to the Kenyon Young Writers Workshop and discover why it’s a dream destination for young authors.

6. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)

Dates: Session I June 21–July 3, Session II July 5–17, and Session III July 19–31
Location: Yale campus
Cost: $7,000 per session (covering housing, meals, and materials)

Yale Young Global Scholars is an elite academic enrichment program, and its Literature, Arts & Culture track is one of the summer writing programs for high school students that combines writing with interdisciplinary study. Each session brings together students from 150+ countries for seminars and workshops led by Yale affiliates.

In the literature and culture seminars, students engage in college-level reading and essay writing, critique each other’s work, and even explore creative projects, all while gaining a global perspective. YYGS is selective and internationally recognized, so participating signals exceptional academic and writing ability when applying to colleges.

Dream of spending your summer on Yale’s campus discussing big ideas, tackling global issues, and connecting with students from around the world? Explore our complete guide to YYGS to see why it’s one of the most inspiring programs out there.

7. Columbia Scholastic Press Summer Journalism Workshop

Dates:  two week-long in-person sessions on campus (June 21–26 and June 28–July 3)
Location: Columbia campus; some sessions are done online
Cost: $3,000 for residential students (including dorm housing and meals) and $1,700 for commuters per session; $1,100 each for virtual session

Columbia University’s Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) hosts an annual Summer Journalism Workshop that is a leading summer writing program for high school students interested in media.

Students choose a focus—such as News Writing & Reporting, Editorial Leadership, Sports Broadcasting, or Digital Media—and spend an intensive week on those skills under the mentorship of veteran journalism instructors and professional guest speakers.

Participants produce articles, broadcasts, or designs for their school publications, getting expert critiques along the way. CSPA’s workshop offers a rich skill-building experience and is a noteworthy credential—it connects students to Columbia’s journalism legacy and helps their college applications stand out if they plan to pursue communications.

Check out our complete guide on CSPA to learn more about its offerings.

8. Juniper Institute for Young Writers

Dates: to be announced
Location: UMass campus
Cost: to be announced

The Juniper Institute for Young Writers at UMass Amherst is a dynamic two-week creative writing experience highly regarded among summer writing programs for high school students.

Juniper is completely immersive: teens live on the UMass campus and attend daily workshops in poetry and fiction, craft seminars, open-mic readings, and even collaborative zine projects.

Taught by experienced MFA graduate instructors from UMass’s top-ranked writing program, Juniper challenges students to take creative risks and build a portfolio of polished work. The program’s selectivity and intensive mentorship help young writers make significant artistic growth.

If you’re serious about refining your craft with guidance from acclaimed writers, dive into our in-depth guide to the Juniper Institute for Young Writers and learn why it’s one of the most respected summer writing programs in the country.

9. Princeton University Summer Journalism Program

Dates: late June through early August

Location: Princeton campus

Cost: free

The Princeton Summer Journalism Program is a fully funded summer writing program for high school students committed to diversifying media by empowering low-income aspiring journalists. The entire program—including travel, housing, meals, and supplies—is provided free of charge to the 40 students selected nationwide.

Participants receive hands-on training from reporters and Princeton faculty: they learn news and feature writing, conduct interviews and cover press events, and ultimately produce articles for the program’s newspaper.

Students also receive one-on-one college admissions counseling throughout senior year as part of the program. Admission is extremely competitive and open to high-achieving juniors, but those chosen gain an incredible boost to their college prospects.

If you want a closer look at one of the most immersive writing experiences for teens, check out our complete guide to Princeton’s Summer Journalism Program.

10. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Summer Program

Dates: July 2026
Location: New York City
Cost: free for gold or silver key award winners in grades 7-11

The Scholastic Awards Summer (SAS) Scholarship Program provides accomplished teen writers and artists a unique opportunity to attend top-tier summer writing programs for high school students at no cost. This initiative of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards offers full-tuition scholarships for Gold or Silver Key Award winners in grades 7–11 to enroll in partner summer programs across the country.

SAS scholarship recipients have recently spent summers studying creative writing at prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian and university writing institutes, with the scholarship covering tuition expenses (families only handle travel or incidental costs).

If you’re serious about refining your craft, dive into our in-depth guide to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and learn why it’s one of the most respected summer writing programs in the country.

11. Northwestern Medill Cherubs Journalism Summer Program

Dates: June 28 – July 24, 2026
Location: Northwestern’s Evanston, IL campus
Cost: $5,000 (covering all instruction, housing, meals, and field trips)

Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism runs the Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute—famously known as the Medill “Cherubs” program—which is among the most esteemed summer writing programs for high school students interested in journalism.

Medill Cherubs dive into an intensive schedule: students take college-level classes in news reporting, feature writing, multimedia storytelling, and more, taught by Medill faculty and veteran journalists.

They produce articles on tight deadlines, visit Chicago newsrooms, and receive individualized feedback in an experience that closely mirrors their freshman year in a journalism school.

If you want to understand why Medill Cherubs is widely considered one of the top summer journalism programs in the country, check out our complete guide to this celebrated Northwestern experience and see how it shapes future reporters and media leaders.

12. Brown Summer Programs

Dates: late June through July
Location: offered in both in-person (on-campus) and online formats
Cost: varies by course length: for Summer 2026, a one-week residential course is estimated at ~$3,748 and a three-week at ~$8,372 (inclusive of room and board)

Brown University’s Pre-College Summer Programs offer numerous courses in creative writing and are popular summer writing programs for high school students seeking an Ivy League campus experience.

Students can choose courses like “Writing the College Essay,” “Fiction Workshop,” or “Poetry in Performance,” taught by Brown-affiliated instructors in small seminar settings.

Through Summer@Brown, students get a taste of college life and intensive writing practice. Although it is a pay-to-attend program, successful completion shows initiative and the ability to thrive in a rigorous academic environment.

If you want to expand your options, check out our blog on Brown’s top pre-college programs.

13. E.W. Scripps School of Journalism High School Workshop

Dates: mid-July
Location: Athens, Ohio
Cost: $450 registration fee (covers all meals, housing in a dorm, equipment, and program activities for the week)

The E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University hosts one of the nation’s longest-running journalism institutes for teens: a one-week summer writing program for high school students dating back to 1946.

During the workshop, participants choose a focus track such as News Reporting, Magazine Writing, Broadcast Journalism, Sports Journalism, or Photojournalism. They then spend an intensive week in hands-on classes and field reporting exercises led by Ohio University faculty and industry professionals, using the school’s journalism labs and studios.

Students produce real content from writing articles on deadline to designing sample publications, and get personalized feedback to improve. It’s a fantastic introduction to journalistic writing and media careers.

14. Columbia University Creative Writing

Dates: Session 1 from early to late July, and Session 2 from late July into mid-August
Location: New York City
Cost: approximately $12,764 for the 3-week residential experience (including housing and dining)

Columbia University’s Summer Immersion program in New York City offers high school students a chance to study creative writing at an Ivy League institution and is among the more intensive summer writing programs for high school students.

Columbia also offers shorter online writing courses; for example, a two-week online Writing Academy (focused on the college essay) costs about $3,960.

Whether on campus or online, students receive instruction from experienced writers (often Columbia faculty or MFA graduates) and engage deeply in the craft through seminars and peer workshops. Although Columbia’s pre-college writing programs are not selective in the same way as merit-based camps, completing a rigorous Ivy League summer course and producing polished writing pieces can strongly complement a student’s academic profile for college admissions.

15. Georgetown Creative Writing Academy

Dates: July 12–18, 2026
Location: Georgetown’s Washington, D.C. campus
Cost: $3,725 for residential students (who live in a dorm and get a full campus dining plan) and $3,095 for commuter students

Georgetown University’s Creative Writing Academy is a one-week intensive that provides an inspiring campus experience as part of the Hoya Summer High School Sessions.

This program is designed as an immersive summer writing program for high school students where participants (typically rising sophomores and juniors) dive into multiple genres: fiction, poetry, personal narrative, and more.

Each day includes dynamic lectures on literary craft, small-group workshops led by Georgetown graduate instructors, and guided writing excursions; for instance, students might do observational writing at the National Gallery of Art or other D.C. landmarks to spark ideas.

Beyond the new pieces of writing and feedback they receive, students come away with a taste of college life and a certificate from Georgetown.

If you want to see why Georgetown’s Creative Writing Academy is becoming a standout choice for young authors, check out our complete guide to the program and explore how it helps students elevate their craft through college-level workshops.

16. Carleton College Summer Writing Program

Dates: July 5 to July 24, 2026
Location: Carleton campus in Minnesota
Cost: $5,300 (includes all instruction, housing, meals, and activities)

Carleton College’s Summer Liberal Arts Institute (SLAI) includes a vigorous writing-focused option that ranks among enriching summer writing programs for high school students.

Rising juniors (and some sophomores) live on Carleton’s campus in Minnesota and take an interdisciplinary course for college credit—one course offering emphasizes storytelling and integrates creative writing with fields like psychology and music.

Students in this program earn 6 college credits upon completion, experiencing the rigor of graded college assignments and a final presentation of their work.

Over the three weeks, Carleton’s faculty and undergraduate TAs guide students through writing workshops, research exercises, and group discussions that are as challenging as a real first-year seminar.

If you’re excited by the idea of joining a community of curious, open-minded learners, check out our in-depth guide to Carleton College’s Summer Liberal Arts Institute and learn why it’s a standout choice for students who love intellectual exploration.

17. Emerging Writers Institute at UC Berkeley

Dates: late June and July
Location: UC Berkeley
Cost: $4,000–$5,000 (covering all workshops, housing and meals, plus materials)

Emerging Writers Institute (EWI) is a two-week creative writing camp offered at UC Berkeley (and other sites) that has become a popular summer writing program for high school students aiming to refine their craft.

Rising 10th–12th graders are eligible and must submit a writing sample as part of the application, ensuring a community of talented and motivated peers.

The program features intensive MFA-style workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, led by experienced instructors (often published authors or MFA graduates).

Students participate in daily seminars, one-on-one instructor conferences, and fun literary outings (previous cohorts have done open-mic readings or bookstore trips). At the end of EWI, each student completes a capstone piece that will be published in a camp anthology, a tangible achievement they can cite in their portfolios or college applications.

If you want to see why the Emerging Writers Institute is a great launchpad for young authors refining their voice, check out our complete guide to EWI.

18. Duke University Young Writers’ Camp

Dates: mid-June and early July (June 16–28, July 7–19) and shorter one-week intensives (late June and late July)
Location: Duke campus in Durham, NC
Cost: $3,000–$6,000 (two-week residential camp)

Duke’s Young Writers’ Camp is a long-running program that offers multiple sessions for middle and high schoolers, making it one of the more flexible summer writing programs for high school students.

Students from grades 6 through 11 can attend, grouped by age and experience. In each session, young writers explore a variety of genres—from short stories and poetry to memoir and journalism—and partake in creative workshops led by educators and professional writers in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

They also get to enjoy fun social activities and even field trips (past campers have done readings at local coffeehouses and toured campus highlights). Costs vary depending on program length and format.

Curious what it’s like to spend your summer surrounded by peers who love storytelling just as much as you do? Explore our full guide to the Duke Young Writers’ Camp and learn why it’s a supportive, inspiring space for new writers.

19. Tisch Summer High School Dramatic Writing Program at NYU

Dates: July 5 to August 1
Location: NYU campus
Cost: to be announced

NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts offers a prestigious Summer High School program in Dramatic Writing that is an ideal choice for theater and film enthusiasts among summer writing programs for high school students.

This four-week intensive is highly selective. Applications (which include script writing samples and recommendations) are due around January, and only a small cohort is admitted to each track.

Students in the Dramatic Writing track earn 4–6 college credits through rigorous coursework at NYU: they study playwriting, screenwriting, and TV writing with Tisch’s faculty, developing original scenes and scripts in an academic and workshop setting similar to a BFA program.

Outside of class, they take advantage of NYC’s rich arts scene (previous summers included attending Broadway/off-Broadway shows or writers’ panels). The program is residential, and students live in NYU housing under supervision.

20. AAJA Journalism Camp (JCamp)

Dates: June 20–26
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Cost: free

The Asian American Journalists Association’s JCamp is a top-notch, all-expenses-paid summer journalism program that ranks among the most selective summer writing programs for high school students in the nation.

Each year, about 30 diverse high school students (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) are chosen from across the U.S. for this intensive workshop—and notably, the program is free, with AAJA covering students’ travel, lodging, and meal costs.

Over six days, JCampers are trained by professional journalists from outlets like The Washington Post and CNN in core skills such as news writing, interviewing, multimedia storytelling, and on-camera reporting.

The camp operates like a real newsroom: students work on tight deadlines to report stories in the host city, receiving constant feedback and mentoring. They also attend seminars on media ethics, diversity in reporting, and college/career prep in journalism.

If you want to explore why AAJA’s JCamp is one of the nation’s leading journalism programs centered on diversity, inclusion, and real newsroom training, check out our complete guide to JCamp.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best summer writing programs for high school students in 2026?

Some of the top choices include programs like the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio, Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop, Stanford Summer Humanities Institute, Princeton Summer Journalism Program, and several others listed in this blog.

These programs specialize in immersive writing instruction and are among the most sought-after summer writing programs for high school students.

2. Are there free writing summer programs for high school students?

Yes, there are writing and journalism programs that are free or fully funded. For example, programs like AAJA Journalism Camp (JCamp) and the Princeton Summer Journalism Program offer significant scholarships or cover all costs for eligible applicants.

3. What skills do writing summer programs typically teach?

Writing summer programs teach skills such as daily writing discipline, revision techniques, peer feedback, workshop dynamics, and genre-specific craft (e.g., poetry, fiction, journalism). They also often include elements of critical thinking, research, creative voice development, and presentation skills.

4. How can writing summer programs help with college admissions?

Participation in a rigorous writing program signals to colleges your serious interest in writing, ability to engage in advanced work, and willingness to challenge yourself outside the regular school year. It also yields tangible artifacts—polished writing samples, mentor feedback, or published work—that can strengthen essays, recommendations, and portfolios.

5. When should I apply for writing summer programs?

Most programs require applications between December and February for summer sessions, with deadlines sometimes as early as January. It’s ideal to begin preparing your writing sample, personal statement, and recommendation requests in the fall so you can meet early-application deadlines and increase your chances.

Takeaways

• Finding the right summer writing program can shape your growth as a young writer, expand your creative horizons, and even strengthen your future college applications.
• The best summer writing programs for high school students offer opportunities that range from intensive university workshops to fully funded journalism institutes—each designed to challenge your craft and connect you with mentors who genuinely elevate your work.
• Whether you’re hoping to build a strong portfolio, explore new genres, or surround yourself with peers who share your passion for storytelling, there’s a program on this list that can help you take the next step.
• As you explore your options, remember to consider your goals, preferred learning environment, and application timelines.
• If you want personalized guidance on which summer writing program matches your goals, check out our Academic & Extracurricular Profile Evaluation to make your experience stand out on college applications.