NYS Summer Young Writers Institute July 20-26, 2008

 

NOTE:  The following information is for the 2008 program. We are currently in the process of planning the 2009 program. This site will be updated with the 2009 program information as soon as we can make it available to you.

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 10th annual creative writing workshop for New York State high school students.

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 attend evening readings and craft talks by nationally known writers who are 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. This four-week institute features some of the most famous and well-regarded writers in the country, such as Russell Banks, Anne Beattie, Mary Gordon, William Kennedy, Joyce Carol Oates,  Robert Pinsky, and many more. Participants in the SYWI will have an opportunity to interact with some of these major literary figures.

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 a reading of their work and selections produced during the Institute 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 2008. Thirty-four students will be chosen based on the submission of creative writing samples. 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

   Senator Joseph Bruno, New York State Legislature

   The Swyer Companies