NYS Summer Young Writers Institute July 19-25, 2009

 

The New York State Writers Institute in conjunction with the Office of the Dean of Special Programs at Skidmore College is pleased to announce the 11th annual creative writing workshop for New York State high school students. The New York Sate Summer Young Writers Institute (SYWI) will be held at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York from July 19 - 25, 2009

Participants in the Summer Young Writers Institute will receive instruction in poetry, prose, and imaginative nonfiction, and engage in the critical evaluation of each other’s work. There will be three workshops per day: two sessions in the morning, and one in the afternoon. In addition, the young writers will have the opportunity to interact with some of the most well-regarded authors in the country. In 2008, our students attended evening readings and craft talks by such nationally known writers as Russell Banks, Alix Ohlin, Robert Stone, Rick Moody and Mary Gaitskill, among others, as part of the New York State Summer Writers Institute, a writing workshop for adults, which also takes place on the Skidmore campus during the month of July. 

By bringing the top student writers in the state together to work extensively with professional writers, the SYWI provides young artists with recognition, respect, opportunities for artistic development, and peer support. Participants are expected to write extensively and complete pieces of work in three genres. Computers will be available for writing and revision. Students will present readings of their work at the end of the week, and their poems, essays, and stories will be published in an anthology.

The SYWI is open to any New York State high school student entering the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in the fall of 2009. Thirty-six students will be chosen, based on the submission of creative writing samples they submit (see application for details). Full and partial scholarships are available to participants based on need.

The New York State Summer Young Writers Institute gratefully acknowledges the support of our sponsors, without whom the program would not be possible. Thank you!

   New York State United Teachers

   Saratoga Foundation

   Retired Senator Joseph Bruno, New York State Legislature

   The Swyer Companies