If you’re a high school student with a strong interest in weaving stories and using words as your medium of expression, summer writing programs for high school students offer a powerful way to develop that passion with purpose. Writing may come naturally to you, but it is also a skill that grows through structured practice, feedback, and exposure to new ideas. Beyond poetry and fiction, strong writing plays a vital role in fields ranging from journalism and research to business and communication.

Young writers often carry doubts about how to improve their craft or where it might lead. You may enjoy writing but hesitate to share your work, or feel unsure whether it can become part of your future. A well-designed summer writing program can help you build confidence, gain clarity, and begin shaping a path that aligns with what you love to create.

How do you choose the right summer writing programs for high school students?

A good summer writing program will give you hands-on experience in writing for different genres, including fiction, non-fiction, horror, poetry, and more. But writing is not just limited to this; it’s a core skill applied in different areas and fields of academics, including research, report writing, medicine, journalism, business and more. And a summer writing program allows you to write more and write better.

However, not all summer writing programs are created equal. Some might be too basic, too expensive, or not involve enough writing exposure. That’s why the right information is crucial to help you identify the best summer writing programs.

Numerous summer writing programs are offered by many reputable Universities and organizations, and help high school students understand the technical aspects of good writing. These programs also give you a chance to explore professional markets where you can share your work and get paid. 

Once you enroll in a writing program, you get to experience why and how good writing can make a strong impact. To make your search easier, here are 15 summer writing programs for high school students. They’ve been picked for their focus on different forms of writing, hands-on skill development, and the opportunity to learn from established authors.

15 Summer Writing Programs for High School Students

1. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement 

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: June 16th – July 3rd
Application Deadline: April 14th
Eligibility: High school students who reside in and attend high school in Los Angeles County

The Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement offers three-week intensive college-level courses. You will get to understand the importance of media communications and journalism in giving rise to civic-minded innovators and thought leaders.

You’ll sharpen your skills in writing, debating, public speaking, and critical thinking. You’ll get the chance to explore careers in media and journalism, interact with renowned scholars and practitioners in the field, and gain exposure to undergraduate programs at USC Annenberg. 

Why it stands out: You’ll improve your writing, debating, and critical thinking skills through intensive USC Annenberg media courses, and connect with experts to explore journalism careers.

2. Immerse Education’s Creative Writing Summer School

Location: Sydney, Cambridge, and Oxford
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school

Immerse Education’s Creative Writing Summer School will offer you the opportunity to explore the art of creative writing through building skills in poetry, narratives, and fiction. You’ll participate in workshops, literary analysis and collaborative projects. You’ll receive personalized guidance from experienced writers and explore different genres and writing styles as you find your unique voice as a writer.

Along with becoming a better writer, the program also gives you the experience of university life through thought-provoking discussions and a chance to make like-minded friendships. If you’re a high school student looking for a writing program that can help you master creative writing, build self-confidence, and earn a recognized certificate, then this one is a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: It immerses you in narrative craft, genre exploration, and editorial feedback, helping you develop stronger storytelling skills and a more compelling creative voice.

3. The Youth International English Program (Youth IEP) – Read, Write & Remix Course

Location: St. George Campus, University of Toronto, Canada
Cost: $5,500
Dates: Session 1: June 14th – July 4th; Session 2: July 5-25; Session 3: July 26th – August 15th
Application Deadline: Session 1 Payment: May 17th; Session 2 Payment: June 7th; Session 3 Payment: June 28th
Eligibility: 13-18 year olds all around the world

If you’re a high school student who enjoys the creative aspects of reading and writing, then The Youth IEP- Read, Write & Remix Course can be a good option to consider. During this 3-week course, you’ll learn to remix language, gather information in one format, and then represent it in a new format for a different audience. As a part of the creative process, you’ll work on turning YouTube videos into graphic novels, reshaping a train timetable into a tourist-friendly blog, and more.

The course focuses on reshaping content to make it easier to understand for a specific audience. You’ll create your own products and work on memes, social media posts, infographics, and stories. You’ll participate in class activities, group projects, and develop critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills. 

Why it stands out: You’ll learn to remix real content like YouTube videos into graphic novels or blogs for new audiences, building creativity and collaboration through fun projects.

4. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio Summer Residential Program

Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Cost: $2,500
Dates: Session 1: June 14-27; Session 2: July 12-25
Application Deadline: February 1st
Eligibility: Current 10th, 11th, and 12th grade high school students worldwide

The Iowa Young Writers’ Studio is a two-week summer residential program that will offer you an immersive experience in the art and craft of creative writing. You can choose one of the core courses, including poetry, fiction, creative writing, playwriting, and TV writing. The courses are led by graduates from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and University of Iowa MFA programs in playwriting and nonfiction writing.

You’ll participate in writing exercises, craft-focused workshops, and be offered readings by published authors. You’ll also engage in social gatherings, open mics, talent shows, and work on collaborative projects. The program aims to give you an artistic experience and a way to connect with a larger community of writers.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn more about creative writing genres through immersive workshops, author readings, and a close community of young writers.

5. Temple University’s Academic English Program (AEP High School)

Location: Temple University Japan, Tokyo, Japan
Cost: Varies by term
Dates: May – July
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Domestic and international high school students

Temple University’s Academic English Program (AEP High School) will offer you three different courses for each semester. The summer course focuses on sharpening your English fluency and accuracy. You’ll engage in objective discussions on specific issues and provide supporting examples, while sharing your points.

You’ll learn to express your opinions more effectively by using the correct forms of grammar and suitable vocabulary. As you develop these skills, you’ll also be assigned short writings and receive individual feedback from instructors based on them. Along with improving your academic writing skills, you’ll get to experience a healthy learning environment, build your confidence, and meet new friends.

Why it stands out: Your English fluency, grammar, and academic writing skills will improve. You’ll learn to express your ideas confidently through discussions, short essays, and personalized instructor feedback. 

6. Yale Young Writers’ Workshop

Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT; Virtual
Cost: With housing: $3085; Without housing: $2,660
Dates: June 21-26
Application Deadline: April 1st
Eligibility: For on-campus: Rising high school seniors (ages 16-18); For virtual: Rising high school juniors and seniors (ages 16-18); international students are welcome to apply

The Yale Young Writers’ Workshop is one of the most academically recognised summer writing programs for high school students, offering focused workshops in poetry, fiction, and essays. You’ll learn advanced storytelling techniques, complete guided reading assignments, and receive detailed feedback while collaborating with other motivated young writers in a supportive, intellectually rich environment.

You’ll drive writing inspiration by exploring Yale’s beautiful museums, gain valuable tips on the writing process and style, and get to be a part of a supportive, creative, and encouraging community. 

Why it stands out: Yale’s prestige and campus museums inspire your poetry, stories, and essays through expert techniques and supportive peer feedback.

7. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Writing and Culture Program

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA.
Cost: Residential – $9,636; Commuter – $7,284; Application Fee: $50; Enrollment Deposit: $800
Dates: June 20th – July 18th
Application Deadline: Early (for scholarships and international applications): February 1st; Final: March 1st
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors (minimum age: 16 years) from all around the world

The Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Writing and Culture Program offers a four-week immersive experience in exploring writing, film, and culture.You’ll engage in digital poetics, short-form writing, film development, and production. You’ll experience learning from traditional, contemporary, and historical perspectives.

The program is a great opportunity to learn different story formats from renowned faculty members. You’ll gain the skills of critical thinking, interpretation of visuals and writings, and receive individual feedback. If you’re a high school student interested in improving your writing skills through enrichment activities, then this program can be a good option to consider. 

Why it stands out: You’ll learn from renowned Carnegie Mellon faculty as they provide expert feedback on digital poetics, film production, and diverse storytelling formats.

8. Alpha – The Young Writers Workshop 

Location: University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg, PA
Cost: $1,800 paid on acceptance
Dates: July 15-26
Application Deadline: March 1st
Eligibility: 14-19 year olds from all around the world with an original short story

Alpha- The Young Writers Workshop offers 20 talented students an opportunity to learn about the craft of writing from renowned guest authors. The workshop will help you learn idea generation, conversion of ideas into first drafts, critical evaluation of stories, and the process of sharing your work with professional networks that pay.

During the workshop, you’ll write an original story (minimum 2000 words) in any of the genres, including science fiction, horror, or fantasy. Some of the past guest authors who taught in the writing workshop include N. K. Jemisin, Ellen Kushner, Tamora Pierce, and Mark Oshiro.

Why it stands out: You’ll get to learn from renowned published authors and understand the process of converting ideas into real stories.

9. Reynolds Young Writers Workshop

Location: Denison University, Granville, OH
Cost: $1,700; Financial assistance available
Dates: June 19-28
Application Deadline: March 3rd
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors worldwide

If you’re a high school student interested in learning writing directly from award-winning authors, then the Reynolds Young Writers Workshop is a good option to consider. In this ten-day residential program, you’ll participate in creative writing workshops and group sessions with renowned guest writers and the creative writing faculty at Denison.

You’ll get to interact with professional writers, teachers, mentors and peers from all over the world. The program will give you an opportunity to hone your writing skills in poetry, fiction, and non-fiction.

Why it stands out: You’ll connect with and learn the craft of writing from award-winning authors and professionals.

10. Write the World

Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: N/A
Eligibility: 13-19 year olds from anywhere in the world

Write the World is a free virtual program that aims to inspire young writers to become global citizens. You’ll get to share your write-ups, participate in writing competitions and gain valuable feedback from peers and industry experts.

Write the World is a growing community of 120k+ teens and educators where you’ll not only hone your writing but also develop critical thinking skills. You’ll participate in engaging workshops, explore a range of writing prompts, and also win cash prizes.

Why it stands out: You’ll actively participate in writing workshops and competitions from the comfort of your home.

11. Multimedia Journalism Workshop, University of Alabama

Location: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Cost: Free
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: To Be Determined
Eligibility: Students entering 9th grade through their freshman year of college from all backgrounds and locations

The University of Alabama’s Multimedia Journalism Workshop offers a six-day immersive learning experience to high school students. You’ll engage in a range of activities, including writing, editing, multimedia reporting, graphics, photography production, and communication skills. You’ll be assigned a professional mentor who will guide you through editing and career-related aspects.

You’ll engage in hands-on activities, conduct interviews with newsmakers, and share news in the form of stories, feature packages, videos, and photos. You’ll also study different media-related concepts, including media economics, new media, reporting, media law, editing, ethics and history.

Why it stands out: Professional mentors guide hands-on multimedia work (stories, videos, photos) in a focused six-day format.

12. Georgetown University – Creative Writing Academy

Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Residential: $3,725; Commuter: $3095; $50 Application fee
Dates: July 12-18
Application Deadline: Early bird: January 31st; Final: April 15th
Eligibility: Grade 8th-12th high school students from around the world

Georgetown University- Creative Writing Academy will inspire your observation and imagination skills. You’ll participate in writing workshops, attend readings from published authors, and learn directly from the Georgetown creative writing faculty. The program is an opportunity to explore the writing programs, markets and jobs along with understanding the process of getting your works published. You’ll engage in discussions on a range of topics based on social, political and environmental themes.

You’ll also get to experience off-site activities, including a responsive writing exercise at the National Gallery of Art and Writing prompts at different locations around Washington, D.C. You’ll explore many subject areas in writing, including poetry, literature, history, personal prose, and fiction. You’ll go on field visits to museums, literary organizations and understand story structure, theme description, character development and dialogue.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn and understand the process of publishing your works in the professional market.

13. California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) Writing Program

Location: California State Summer School for the Arts, Sacramento, CA
Cost: CA State Residents: $5,174; Out-of-State and International Students: $10,475; $20 Application fee; Financial aid available for California residents
Dates: July 4th – August 1st
Application Deadline: February 28th
Eligibility: California residents currently enrolled in grades 8 through 12; Students outside California will be accepted in limited numbers

The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) program offers interactive writing workshops to seventy young, talented writers. You’ll learn from professional writers and educators who will guide you in different techniques of writing poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and drama. The program encourages you to write stories inspired by your imagination and experiences with the world around you.

You’ll participate in core classes, focus classes, discussions with guest artists, including published writers, editors, select panels, and agents. You’ll share your weekly writings every Saturday morning in a colloquium, and also get a chance to contribute your work to the CSSSA writing anthology. 

Why it stands out: You’ll learn to weave impactful stories through subjective experiences and interact with renowned authors and editors.

14. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) 

Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, and University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: Free
Dates: June 21st – July 25th
Application Deadline: December 3rd
Eligibility: Rising juniors and rising seniors (ages 15-18); U.S. and international students are welcome to apply

The Telluride Association Summer Seminar is a free summer program that will offer you transformative educational experiences. You’ll attend faculty lectures, discussions, and work in small groups. The seminar activities will include book and article readings, viewing films and art, and writing essays. You can choose to apply to any one of two areas of study, including TASS-CBS and TASS-AOS.

Along with the classes, you’ll also participate in community activities, plan outings, and community service projects and attend lectures from guest speakers. The program does not assign any grades and encourages learning in a creative environment. You’ll get to improve your reading, writing and critical thinking skills and explore a range of topics in history, literature, politics, art, and more.

Why it stands out: You’ll develop a range of skills that will help improve your ability to express ideas through words.

15. Sewanee Young Writers Conference

Location: The University of the South, Sewanee, TN
Cost: $2,600
Dates: June 28th – July 11th
Application Deadline: March 2nd
Eligibility: 9th-11th-grade students worldwide interested in writing

The Sewanee Young Writers Conference will offer you two weeks of summer writing experience. You’ll read, write and attend daily intensive workshops. You’ll learn directly from expert faculty members who are recognized by the New York Times and have won literary prizes. You’ll have one-on-one interactions with the faculty, participate in Q and A sessions with guest authors, and get to socialize with fellow writers.

Along with honing your creative writing skills, you’ll also get to form a community of people who share the same interests and passions, engage in meaningful conversations, go on hiking trips, and have fun with your peers.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn from faculty members recognized by the New York Times for their exceptional work.

Reading to Write Better Stories

Strong writing begins with strong reading. The more you read, the more you absorb about voice, structure, pacing, and how ideas take shape on the page.

That is why the 15 summer writing programs for high school students listed here place such a strong emphasis on reading alongside writing. Analyzing published work helps you understand what makes writing effective and how different styles create impact.

As you study texts and apply those insights to your own drafts, your writing becomes more deliberate and confident. You start making choices with intention rather than instinct alone.

To keep building that connection between reading and craft, explore our Creative Writing Top Books Guide and discover the authors and texts that can help elevate your writing further.