About

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 Labs, Participant 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 2024, 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.

New this summer, we’ll be offering an optional second week for residential participants and extending our collaboration with UMass Summer Pre-College Programs into the online realm. For more information, see each program’s page or our frequently asked questions!