The Emerging Writers Institute™ offers immersive, rigorous summer writing programs for middle and high school students. Through intensive MFA-style workshops, guided daily writing practice, and engaging literary outings, students entering grades 4 through 12 develop their technical and artistic writing skills in genres including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more. Supported by the guidance of experienced authors and instructors, young writers hone their craft in a collaborative, workshop-style environment that fosters confidence, creativity, and friendship.
We offer three writing summer programs based on grade level:
- Emerging Writers Institute 4th-6th
- Emerging Writers Institute 7th-9th
- Emerging Writers Institute 10th-12th
Note: In order to attend the Emerging Writers Institute summer writing workshops for high school students, applicants must demonstrate their potential as writers by submitting a creative writing sample in any of the four major areas of focus. This program assumes that its students possess a significant understanding of the English language and are prepared to employ this familiarity in inspired and inventive ways.
Writing Summer Program at a Glance
- Grade Level: Rising 4-12 (Grade after summer)
- Available Options: Commuter, Residential, or Online camps
- Duration: 5 days online camps; 6 days in-person (elementary & middle school); 7 days in-person (high school)
Emerging Writers Institute
Learning Outcomes
- Improve critical writing skills, including storytelling, character development, editing, revision, and more.
- Explore writing genres including fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, science fiction, playwriting, screenwriting, graphic novels, and more.
- Receive individualized coaching and feedback from experienced writing instructors.
- Gain confidence through regular writing practice and develop skills to prepare for high school- and college-level literary studies.
- Develop polished literary works that can be submitted for inclusion in youth publications.
- Present finished writing pieces during a public reading at the conclusion of the program.
FAQs
What makes Education Unlimited’s writing camps unique?
Held on the campuses of prestigious universities, our Emerging Writers Institute is uniquely designed to mirror a collegiate-style writing program, with an immersive literary environment that encourages young authors to hone their craft across literary genres. Through MFA-style writing workshops, personalized instruction, seminar-style discussions, peer critiques, creative presentations, and literary outings, students develop their literary voice and leave the program with polished, ready-to-publish pieces. For our rigorous summer writing workshops for high school students, applicants must qualify for admission by submitting a writing sample.
Who teaches the writing workshops?
Our summer writing programs for middle and high school students are led by professional writers, literary professors, and experienced instructors who encourage skill development through personalized feedback and one-on-one mentorship sessions.
How much time is spent writing versus classroom instruction?
Our writing summer program curriculum combines seminars, guided workshops, group editing sessions, independent writing time, and one-on-one instructor evaluations to provide a balanced experience for students. The camp is designed to be engaging and collaborative – not a lecture-style classroom experience.
Testimonials
"I attended the creative writing summer camp through Education Unlimited at UC Berkeley a few years ago, and it was an amazing experience that I will never forget. Every day there were different activities, like going to a live poetry slam and doing a photo scavenger hunt.”
Erin K. Emerging Writers Institute participant
"The best feature of the camp was an open creative environment that allowed its students to really step beyond any fear and doubts they had concerning writing. The staff members were wonderful, interesting people to engage with in and outside the classroom. I liked going out into surrounding cities and events (Poetry Slam!). It really exposed us to new and amazing things. The most important thing I learned was that practice makes perfect: don't let your muse tell you when to write, but rather sit down ten minutes every day and swim."
–Ana G., Emerging Writers Institute participant
"My daughter's experience at Emerging Writers was beyond her expectations. She came back with so much enthusiasm for the written word — her self-confidence and understanding of her strengths and weaknesses only serve to make her a better writer. The quality of the staff was superb. Having such wonderfully educated and enthusiastic teachers made this program such a success."
–Rosalba G., Emerging Writers Institute parent
Immersive Summer Writing Camps & Workshops | Education Unlimited Programs
| Program | Grades | Location | Start Date | End Date | Price Options | Register |
|---|