About Juniper

When it comes to writing, you have the spark. You want to share your poetry and prose with others as passionate about writing as you are, who can help you take it to the next level. Juniper looks for writers whose work shows curiosity and risk-taking, and who are eager to experiment with forms and ideas new to them, in the company of their creative peers.

At Juniper, we’re all writers. You’re a writer, of course, and so are all of the Juniper teachers and staff. You’ll hear their work and share your own, engaging with your writing community from the Craft Sessions, to Writing LabsParticipant Readings and Writer's Life talks. Since 2006, the Juniper Institute for Young Writers has provided an immersion in the writer’s life, a pre-college experience on the UMass campus, and an unforgettable week.

This summer in July and August 2025, we will again be holding the Juniper Institute for Young Writers in person, as well as continuing our popular virtual programming, Juniper Young Writers Online.

Our Sponsors

The Juniper Institute for Young Writers could not thrive without support from its community near and far. We are proud to partner with these sponsors and donors whose contributions have made it possible for many talented writers to participate in the Institute who would otherwise be unable to attend.

We welcome new sponsorship inquiries to support our Young Writer and adult programs. Please contact:

Betsy Wheeler
Director, Juniper Summer Writing Institute and Juniper Institute for Young Writers
(413) 545-8988
Email


Supported by

The Massachusetts Cultural Council

Additional Scholarship Support provided by

The Charles Hayden Foundation

The Charles Hayden Foundation seeks to promote the mental, moral and physical development of children and youth ages five to eighteen in the metropolitan area of New York and the City of Boston. Our focus is on those institutions and programs serving youth most at risk of not reaching their full potential, especially youth in low-income communities.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts

Founded in 1991, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers a charitable endowment consisting of nearly 600 separately identified funds benefiting Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties. Each fund was contributed by one or more generous donors who wished to make a difference, on a local scale, in those communities.