Since 2006, The Juniper Institute for Young Writers has provided writers in grades 9-12 creative mentorship, inspiring community and immersion in the writer’s life. This summer we are excited to be offering participants the opportunity to join our community and partake in the Juniper magic with both in-person and online programming during July 2023. Both programs will offer the same content, curriculum, and opportunity for wild invention that participants know and love including Writing Labs, Craft Sessions, Writer’s Life Talks, Participant Readings, Write-alongs, and Write-ins, adapted for in-person and online delivery. Applications for Summer 2023 will open in early January.

All Juniper Summer ‘23 programming includes:

Mentorship from working writers

Writing Lab Instructors are professional teachers, published authors, and graduate students at UMass Amherst pursuing their Master of Fine Arts degrees in creative writing. With daily live meetings in Craft Sessions and Writing Labs, participants have the opportunity to discuss their work and in-depth writing topics with their Instructors and peers. 

Electives

Participants will choose Craft Sessions to attend during the week of the program, wherein they’ll find opportunities to learn from talented and devoted Instructors, and share questions and insights. Sessions are led by Creative Writing Instructors. 

Inspiration for generating new work

Outside of Writing Labs, participants will have the opportunity to participate in guided group writing exercises and will also receive writing prompts to respond to on their own time or to stow away for later inspiration. We’ll also facilitate ways for participants to share their work and ideas generated during daily Write-alongs and Write-ins. The Writer's Life talks give participants a behind-the-scenes view on the Instructors' work and creative processes, which always ignite new ideas and provide invaluable writing tips. 

Close-knit Community

All Writing Labs are capped at 10, allowing participants the time and space to develop closer connections not just with writing Instructors but also with fellow teen writers.

Written Feedback

At the end of the week, Writing Lab Instructors will provide a written summary of participants' work, evaluation of their progress towards writing goals, and future considerations for their writing.

Summer at UMass:

This summer’s in-person Institute will give young writers the opportunity to live and work in community with peers on the UMass Amherst campus

*Acceptance to Juniper’s in-person program will be competitive this summer; admissions from our general applicant pool are limited to 18. Applicants for the in-person Juniper Institute for Young Writers can indicate in their application if they would like to be considered for acceptance to Juniper Young Writers Online if they are not admitted to the in-person program.

Dates: July 23-28

Summer Online: 

This summer’s online Institute will provide young writers with community, mentorship and inspiration, delivered remotely.

Dates: July 17-21