Juniper Young Writers Online
Applications for the summer 2026 program are now closed. Please sign up for our mailing list to be notified as applications for next summer open.
Program Dates: August 3-7, 2026
Application Deadline: April 6, 2026
Program Cost: $1,325
Program Overview
Juniper Young Writers Online (JYWO) provides young writers with opportunities for experimentation, creativity and wild invention in a virtual format. Rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, and the high school class of 2026 are eligible for the Online program.
Whether from their bedrooms or their gardens, JYWO participants will spend an intensive virtual week engaging deeply with the writing process in community with Creative Writing Instructors and a community of deeply passionate peer writers. During past JYWO sessions, participants from all around the United States and the world have joined to share their creativity, writing, and ideas with each other. Especially for young writers, finding a writing community can be difficult, and Juniper Young Writers Online offers participants the opportunity to form connections with like-minded writers that can last long after the program ends.
Programming
Participants will spend this dedicated week of time honing their writing craft through a range of programming. Each JYWO week will include the following program elements:
2026 JYWO Daily Program Schedule
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-10:30 am | Write-in | Write-in | Write-in | Write-in | Write-in |
| 10:30-11 am | Break | Break | Break | Break | Break |
| 11-12 pm | Writing Lab | Writing Lab | Writing Lab | Writing Lab | Writing Lab |
| 12-12:30 pm | Break | Break | Break | Break | Break |
| 12:30-2:30 pm | Writing Lab | Writing Lab | Writing Lab | Writing Lab | Writing Lab |
| 2:30-3 pm | Break | Break | Break | Break | Break |
| 3-4 pm | Craft Sessions | Participant Reading | Writer's Life | Craft Sessions | Participant Reading |
Learn more and review application requirements!
The University of Massachusetts reserves the right to cancel any program it deems necessary. In the event of program cancellation, payment will be refunded in full.