Participants in the Summer Young Writers Institute receive instruction in poetry,
prose, and imaginative nonfiction, and engage in the critical evaluation of each other’s
work. By bringing top high school student writers together to work extensively with
professional writers, the SYWI provides young artists with recognition, respect, opportunities
for artistic development, and peer support.
The SYWI is open to any high school student entering the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade
in the fall of 2013. Approximately 36 students will be chosen, based on the submission
of creative writing samples (see application for details). Full and partial scholarships
are available to participants based on need.
2013 YWI Guest Author: Gregory Maguire
Best known for his 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Top reasons to attend the Young Writers Institute
from former Institute participants
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This was a once-in-a-lifetime, life-changing experience for me. I have never learned
more or met better people than I have here. My two summers here have been so important
to me as a person, and as a writer. I’ve made amazing friends who I know will always
support my creative work. The New York State Summer Young Writers Institute inspired
me with writing ideas unlike any other program I have experienced.
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It was a great experience to be among other writers who were eager to share their
work and listen to my pieces. The feedback and the pointers I got from other kids
this week were just as helpful as the ones from the teachers.
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Honestly, what could be bad about being with a bunch of people exactly like you, in
a college dorm, with amazing food, informative and chill classes, famous authors—and
staying up late. Oh yeah: NOTHING! I learned a lot from this writing camp. It REALLY
inspired me to write, and it taught me to do it better.
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I loved being here at Skidmore. The ability to be surrounded by peers and teachers
who live and breathe writing was sweet. I learned a lot about myself as a writer and
made exceptional friends who stayed up with me into the wee hours of the night, writing
and laughing. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to work with published writers
and hear them critique my work. This truly has been a life-changing experience.
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The week here has shown me that there are other teenagers like myself who genuinely
love to write. It was shocking to me to be around other kids who really liked sharing
what they wrote and getting feedback. I have never before stayed up until 1 a.m. doing
an impromptu poetry reading.
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I came here for the writing, but as the week went on I learned so much more. The people
I met I will never forget. On the very first day, everyone was welcoming. The faculty
was very outgoing and got to know us all almost immediately. The RAs were down to
earth and allowed us the freedom we deserved. They even brought us to see fireworks.
It is an experience I will never forget.
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While I can’t say that the Institute changed my life, everything I learned and did
this week has been absolutely amazing. This week forced me to write and forced me
outside my comfort zone when it comes to writing. The whole week was beneficial and,
if I weren’t a senior, I’d come back in a heartbeat.
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The New York State Summer Young Writers Institute has been an absolutely amazing opportunity.
I met awesome people with similar interests. We all became friends instantly. My writing
skills and areas of interest have expanded greatly during my time here. This was a
valuable experience that I will carry with me for a very long time.
