15 Online Summer Writing Programs for High School Students
Summer writing programs for high school students are an excellent way to enhance your writing skills, explore new genres, and gain exposure to professional writing environments. These programs offer structured learning opportunities outside the traditional classroom and allow you to explore creative and academic writing. Whether you are interested in poetry, fiction, journalism, or persuasive essays, there is an online summer writing program tailored to your interests and goals. Many of these programs are hosted by prestigious universities, literary organizations, and writing centers, providing you access to top-notch instruction and peer communities.
Participating in an online program can also help you build confidence in your voice and develop portfolios that can support your college applications or future writing pursuits. As remote learning continues to evolve, online summer writing programs for high school students have become more interactive. With flexible schedules and global access, they make high-quality writing education more accessible.
Check out our list of 15 online summer writing programs for high school students!
1. Yale University - Yale Young Writers' Workshop
Cost: $1,320.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 12 students per genre.
Dates: June 21 - 27.
Application Deadline: January 15 - April 1. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: Students between 16 and 18 who will have completed their junior or senior year of high school before the program begins are eligible to apply.
The Yale Young Writers' Workshop is an intensive online program for high school students interested in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. You will engage in small-group workshops led by Yale’s faculty, where you will receive individualized feedback, master writing techniques, explore how to structure stories, write a wide variety of nonfiction, and create poetry through collaborative critique and revision. Before the workshop, you will read a book, preselected by the faculty, to build a common literary foundation for discussion and analysis. The workshop includes craft talks, readings by faculty and visiting authors, student showcases, and conversations about writing as a profession.
2. Veritas AI
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Acceptance rate: Highly selective.
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including summer.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. May.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Founded by Harvard graduate students, Veritas AI offers specialized online programs for high school students interested in academic writing for artificial intelligence and machine learning. The AI Scholars program introduces you to foundational concepts over ten sessions, combining theory with hands-on projects. For more advanced learners, the AI Fellowship offers 1:1 mentorship with researchers from top universities, culminating in an independent research project. You will also receive guidance on publishing your writing in high school research journals. These programs aim to provide rigorous academic writing exposure while supporting students in exploring potential research or career interests in AI and computer science.
3. Columbia University - Creative Writing Workshop: Multi-Genre
Cost: $3,965.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 15 students.
Dates: July 7 -18.
Application Deadline: Early Registration: March 10 | General Registration: March 24.
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in grades 9–12 in the fall and currently in grade 12.
This summer writing program is designed for high school students with a strong interest in creative writing who want to refine their craft across multiple genres. You will explore free verse poetry, short prose, drama, fiction, and creative nonfiction, working toward creating a portfolio of revised pieces. You will engage with both technical and imaginative aspects of writing through writing exercises and group discussions. The program emphasizes the entire writing process, from idea generation to drafting, revising, and editing. Under the mentorship of an experienced instructor and within a supportive peer group, you will write extensively, analyze excerpts from literary works, and participate in constructive critiques.
4. University of Iowa - Iowa Young Writers' Studio
Cost: $475 per course.
Acceptance rate: 10% - 20%.
Dates: June 15 - July 27.
Application Deadline: March 1 - April 18.
Eligibility: High school students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible to apply.
The Iowa Young Writers' Studio offers five six-week online courses that high school students can choose from: Writing From Everyday Life: Nonfiction and Personal Essays; Sense of Witness: Poetry and Perception; A Perusable Feast (creative writing); Ricochet Visions (speculative fiction); and Forget Ready, Forget Set, Go! (fiction writing). Each course is led by a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop. You should expect to dedicate 3–4 hours weekly to writing assignments, reading materials, peer critiques, and online discussions. Students who complete the program will receive a Letter of Completion from the Iowa Young Writers' Studio.
5. University of Massachusetts Amherst - Juniper Young Writers Online
Cost: $1,300. Need-based scholarships are available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 50 students.
Dates: July 7–11.
Application Deadline: April 7.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply.
Juniper Young Writers Online offers high school students a week-long virtual writing experience centered on creativity, experimentation, and skill-building. You will engage in workshops, craft sessions, and write-alongs led by writers from the UMass Amherst Master of Fine Arts program, alongside a community of peers from around the world. The program provides a rare opportunity for young writers to connect, exchange ideas, and develop their work in a supportive environment. Activities include writing labs, faculty talks, and participant readings designed to deepen engagement with the writing process.
6. Georgetown University - Creative Writing: The Power of Storytelling
Cost: $1,795. Need-based financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate: Open enrolment.
Dates: Multi-length courses (1-, 2, or 4 weeks) available throughout the year, including summer.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort. The upcoming deadline is June 8.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply.
This online summer writing program for high school students offers an exploration of fiction writing, focusing on key elements such as character development, plot structure, and narrative techniques. You will refine your storytelling skills and expand your creative range through interactive writing exercises and peer collaboration. By the end of the program, you will have completed a portfolio of original fiction, revised with feedback from instructors and peers. The course includes a final capstone project and offers comprehensive mentorship. Students will earn a Certificate of Completion or college credit from Georgetown University.
7. Columbia University - Imaginative Fiction: Science Fiction and Fantasy
Cost: $2,815.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 15 students.
Dates: August 11 - 15.
Application Deadline: Early Registration: March 10 | General Registration: March 24.
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in grades 9–12 in the fall are eligible to apply.
This intensive one-week program is designed to help students explore and craft engaging fiction that incorporates elements of the unreal, including surreal narratives, speculative fiction, and epic fantasy. You will examine how futuristic, magical, and uncanny themes can align with your personal writing goals. You will study foundational and contemporary works of science fiction and fantasy from a writer’s perspective, analyzing how specific techniques shape reader experience and narrative impact. The course will cover key concepts such as world-building, character dynamics, plot development, magical systems, and suspense through guided discussions and writing exercises. You will apply these techniques to create original stories, with additional support provided through individual conferences with the instructor.
8. Columbia University - The Power of Personal Nonfiction
Cost: $3,965.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 15 students.
Dates: July 21 - August 1.
Application Deadline: Early Registration: March 10 | General Registration: March 24.
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in grades 9–12 in the fall and currently in grade 12 are eligible to apply.
In this summer writing program for high school students, you will craft nonfiction narratives reflecting personal experiences, cultural influences, identity, and transformative moments. Aimed at producing up to three refined essays, the course guides you through each stage of the writing process. You will strengthen your nonfiction writing by incorporating elements of research, observation, and personal materials such as journals, photos, and messages. Combining seminar-style learning with workshop discussions, the course introduces the genre of personal nonfiction and the practice of group critique. By reflecting on your life and studying exemplar texts, you will build versatile storytelling skills applicable across writing disciplines.
9. Sarah Lawrence College - Writers Week for Teens
Cost: $1,095 tuition; $250 deposit. Limited scholarships are available to Yonkers Public School students.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 18 students per class.
Dates: July 7 - 11.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines.
Eligibility: High school students entering 9-12 grades in the fall who will be age 14 or older at the start of the program.
Writers Week at Sarah Lawrence College is a week-long program for high school students focused on creative writing and the performing arts. Each day begins with writing workshops led by Master of Fine Arts students, alumni, and Writing Institute instructors. You will explore various genres such as poetry, fiction, memoir, and speculative writing through prompts, peer sharing, and craft discussions. Afternoons include theatre workshops covering screenwriting, playwriting, musical songwriting, and more, taught by faculty, graduate students, and guest artists. The program emphasizes small-group interaction. The week concludes with student and faculty readings and a celebration of student work.
10. Morehouse College - Summer Online Writing Camp
Cost: $300.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 12-14 students.
Dates: June 9 - 20.
Application Deadline: May 16.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply.
The Morehouse Summer Online Writing Camp is a two-week program to strengthen students’ critical thinking and writing skills across genres. You will join small-group, live sessions, engaging in freewriting, responding to prompts, analyzing readings, and exchanging feedback with peers. You will write and share work daily, supported by experienced instructors who guide revision and help you recognize your strengths and growth areas. In addition to group workshops, each student receives one-on-one feedback through an individual conference with their instructor during the week. All instructors are experienced educators affiliated with Morehouse College’s Writing Center and Writing Program.
11. University of Washington - Writers Workshop for High School
Cost: $700.
Acceptance rate: Highly selective.
Dates: June 30 - July 11.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines.
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply.
This summer writing program for high school students introduces creative writing through a workshop-based format, allowing you to refine your voice across multiple genres, including poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, spoken word, visual or multimodal media, and hybrid forms. You will read and discuss each other's work in a supportive environment, gaining skills in giving and receiving feedback. Throughout the course, you will develop a portfolio of original writing and conclude the workshop with a class reading open to family and friends. Upon successful completion, you will earn a Youth & Teen Programs digital badge, which can be showcased in college or job applications.
12. The Kenyon Review - Young Writers Workshops
Cost: $995. Need-based financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 12-14 students.
Dates: June 15–20.
Application Deadline: April 14.
Eligibility: Current sophomores or juniors who will be between the ages of 16 and 18 years at the time of the program are eligible to apply.
The Young Writers Summer Online Workshop allows you to explore your writing, push creative boundaries, and develop new skills alongside peers interested in storytelling. These workshops allow you to engage with various genres, such as short stories, poetry, and personal essays, through writing exercises, peer discussions, and craft-focused conversations with instructors. Each week-long program includes daily live sessions on Zoom, complemented by independent writing time and individual conferences with instructors. You may choose between afternoon and evening sessions. Evening activities feature readings by guest authors, craft talks, student readings, and informal gatherings.
13. Lighthouse Writers - Young Writers Program: Creative Writing Cornerstones
Cost: $270. Need-based financial aid is available.
Cohort size: 11 students.
Dates: June 23 - 27.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines.
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 can apply.
This summer writing program for high school students introduces you to key elements of creative writing, including language, sensory imagery, character development, plot structure, dialogue, and scene construction. You will also engage with core storytelling techniques such as observation, perspective, and discovering your narrative voice. The program emphasizes fiction, poetry, and narrative nonfiction, combining lessons on craft with practical exercises, generative prompts, and opportunities for sharing. You will receive initial feedback on shared work.
14. The Adroit Journal - Summer Mentorship Program
Cost: $575. Need-based financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate: 8%.
Dates: June 26 - July 28.
Application Deadline: March 1.
Eligibility: High school students, including graduating seniors and gap year students, can apply.
The Adroit Journal’s Summer Mentorship Program is a virtual initiative that connects you with experienced writers for personalized guidance in creative writing. The program focuses on poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Rather than formal instruction, this summer writing program emphasizes flexible, one-on-one correspondence tailored to your needs. Poetry mentees submit work weekly, while fiction and nonfiction mentees share work biweekly, engaging in ongoing exchanges with their mentors and peers. The program prioritizes meaningful dialogue, creative development, and peer feedback.
15. Write the World - Fiction Writing Camp: The Art of Storytelling
Cost: $299.
Cohort size: 30 students.
Dates: July 21 - 25.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines.
Eligibility: High school students aged 13-19 years can apply.
This fiction summer writing program introduces you to key craft elements that make stories engaging, such as character development, voice, mood, conflict, dialogue, setting, and point of view. You will complete over ten writing exercises focused on these techniques and work toward producing a polished flash fiction piece. The program includes interactive sessions, peer reviews, and personalized instructor feedback. You will also engage in 1–2 hours of independent writing between sessions, guided by prompts and critique.
Image source - Yale University