Creative Writing Programs for Students in 8-12th Grade (Summer 2023)

Creative Writing summer programs offer a unique opportunity for students to delve into the world of words and imagination. With the guidance of experienced writers and instructors, students are able to hone their writing skills and techniques, learning the art of storytelling, poetry, and other styles of writing.

In these programs, students have the chance to experiment with their own writing, using their own voices to express their thoughts and ideas. They receive constructive feedback and suggestions from peers and instructors, helping them to refine their writing and bring their stories to life.

Surrounded by a community of fellow writers, students are able to build relationships and form bonds over their shared love of the written word. They inspire each other to reach new heights in their writing and to pursue their passion with greater determination.

For those seeking to stand out in college applications, a Creative Writing summer program can be a valuable addition to their resume. It showcases their dedication to the art of writing and their willingness to seek out opportunities to improve their skills. The writing samples produced in the program can serve as a portfolio piece, demonstrating their writing abilities and potential for future success.

A Creative Writing summer program is a rich and rewarding experience for students. It provides a space for students to explore the endless possibilities of the written word, to express themselves freely, and to develop a lifelong love of writing. Whether they are aspiring writers or simply seeking to improve their writing skills, these programs offer a valuable opportunity to grow and to be inspired.

Here is a list of our top summer Creative Writing programs for students in 8-12th grade

(Note: you  can sort the table by cost, grade…etc. to find the program that best fits your needs)

Program NameStudent GradeCostDeadlineProgram TypeMonthProgram Website
Alabama Scholastic Press Multicultural Journalism Program9, 10, 11, 12Free1-Apr-23In PersonLearn More
Auburn: Creative Writing Studio9, 10, 11, 12$870 Rolling admissionIn PersonJuneLearn More
Bard College at Simon's Rock: Young Writers Workshop9, 10, 11$3,500 Rolling admission (late April /early May)In PersonJulyLearn More
Boston University: AIM: Creative Writing11, 12$5,131-$6,775Rolling admissionIn PersonJuly, AugustLearn More
Boston University: Summer Journalism Academy9, 10, 11, 12$1,300-$3,700Multiple OptionsJune, JulyLearn More
Brigham Young University: Young Authors Academy8, 9, 10, 11, 12$489-$744Rolling admissionIn PersonJulyLearn More
BU: Summer Preview: Creative Writing: Finding Your Voice8, 9, 10$1,650-$2,198Rolling admissionIn PersonJulyLearn More
Girls Write Now9, 10, 11, 12HybridLearn More
Kenyon College: Summer Young Writers' Workshops10, 11, 12$2,475 Rolling admissionMultiple OptionsJune, JulyLearn More
LMU - Beginning Screenwriting10, 11, 12$5,400 15-Mar-23In PersonJune, JulyLearn More
Northwestern: Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute12$5,000 13-Mar-23In PersonJune, JulyLearn More
Polyphony Lit: Summer Editing Apprenticeship9, 10, 11, 12$399-$499Early Bird: January 31, 2023; Final: June 25, 2023, space permittingOnlineJune, JulyLearn More
Princeton University: Summer Journalism Institute11Free27-Feb-23HybridJuly, AugustLearn More
Rhodes College: Summer Writing Institute10, 11, 12$2,200-$2,40030-Apr-23In PersonJuneLearn More
Sewanee: Young Writers' Conference10, 11, 12$2,575 17-Feb-23In PersonJune, JulyLearn More
Smith College: Creative Writing Workshop9, 10, 11, 12$4,630 15-May-23In PersonJulyLearn More
The Common: Young Writers Program9, 10, 11, 12$725-$87530-May-23July, AugustLearn More
The School of the New York Times: Summer Academy: Writing & Journalism10, 11, 12$5,325-$5,9753-Apr-23In PersonJune, JulyLearn More
UMass Amherst: Juniper Institute for Young Writers8, 9, 10, 11, 12$900-$170031-Mar-23OnlineJulyLearn More
UNC Asheville: Great Smokies Young Writers Workshop10, 11, 12$1,200 Rolling admissionLearn More
University of Iowa: Between the LinesAges 15-18Free-$1,800Learn More
University of Iowa: Young Writers' Studio Summer Program10, 11, 12$575-$2,5005-Feb-23Multiple OptionsJune, JulyLearn More
University of Virginia: Young Writer's Workshop9, 10, 11, 12$2,450-$3,500Learn More
Wonderworks and the University of Houston: Story Lines10, 11, 12$500 10-Jun-23In PersonJune, JulyLearn More
Young Arts: National Arts Competition10, 11, 12$35 15-Oct-23OnlineOtherLearn More