Youth

Young Writers Institute

Since 1989, WPWP's Young Writers Institute (YWI) has offered young people exciting and engaging environments to explore writing. Young writers from across the Western Pennsylvania region come together and meet to have the opportunity to develop their skills as writers. Our outstanding staff includes certified classroom teachers, esteemed writers, and advanced writing students from regional colleges and universities.  

Specific activities vary from year to year and from one class to another, including a broad range of genres and experiences geared to generate rich writing. This may include poems, autobiographical sketches, short stories, plays, memoirs, guest authors, walking field trips, and much, much more. 

At the end of the Institute, families are invited to celebrate as students read their best work from their own copy of a published anthology. Our Institute is best suited for students who are eager to attend and who want to write for fun.

Our 2026 Young Writers’ Institute sessions will take place on weekdays from June 22 - June 30, with a closing ceremony held on July 1. YWI will run from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the University of Pittsburgh. Registration for the summer of 2026 begins January 6, 2025. YWI will accept 25 registrations per age bracket.

Check out the Themes tab below for descriptions of material covered by each age bracket.

YWI 2026 registration opens January 6, 2026!

Register Here

Please contact us with any questions or concerns.

Themes

Writers & Makers: Stories With Artifacts
Rising 5th and 6th Graders

What if every story came with an object and each story gave the object its power.? A mysterious map tucked into a pirate’s coat. A timeworn letter from a lost explorer. A broken compass that points to something no one expects… Intrigued? At YWI, writers are authors and artists, creating original stories and the artifacts that bring them to life, storytelling will leap off the page and into your hands. Young writers will be inspired to write, design, build, and imagine across genres and formats. Where will your imagination and creativity take you—fantasy adventures, historical mysteries, speculative tales, mini memoirs, poetry, comics, zines, and fictional-factual hybrids that blur the line between truth and imagination. Your voice, your choice! Together, we’ll explore how physical objects can deepen world-building, develop character, and add mystery or meaning to a narrative.

Write it. Make it. Tell the story behind it. Join us for a week of imagination, creativity, and hands-on storytelling where words and objects work together to create something truly magical.

Writers and Makers: Words Change Worlds
Rising 7th and 8th Graders

Calling all curious, inventive, opinionated, AND wonderfully weird writers!  This summer, YWI will be a joyful playground for you to stimulate your imagination, speak your mind, dream, and be heard as we dabble in various genres including creative storytelling, poetry, comics, and micro-fiction. Elevate your words, elevate your writing, and elevate yourself as you write and revise with passion for ideas and change.  Young writers will write in unexpected ways, explore real-life stories (yes, nonfiction!), and experiment with words just for fun. Unconventional ideas welcome. Peculiar styles encouraged. Along the way, you will discover your own voice, learn how words can express what matters to you, and explore how stories—both true and imagined—can reflect the world around us.

Writers and Makers: The Truth Told Slant
Rising 9th, 10th, and 11th Graders

What happens when you tell the truth—but tell it slant? In this eight-day institute, young writers turn real experiences into bold, original work that lands. We’ll play with story, voice, and form—blending personal narrative, poetry, and visual elements to create writing that moves, surprises, and lingers. Through images, sensory prompts, and contemporary mentor texts, young writers craft hybrid pieces that live on the page, on the wall, or—if they choose—on the stage. Whether you’re a poet, a prose writer, or still discovering your style, this institute meets you where you are. No formulas. No clichés. Just risk-taking, revision, and your voice—sharper, braver, and unmistakably yours.

Registration FAQ

What are the registration requirements?
The only requirements for participation are the child's grade level and an interest in writing. Our Institute aims to be inclusive and accessible to all young writers. We will accept registrations for rising 5th-11th graders.

How do I register for the Young Writers Institute and what is the deadline?
Registration for the Young Writers Institute begins January 6, 2026. All registrations must be completed online, and full payment is required at the time of registration to secure a spot in the Institute.  

Why is the Institute only accepting 25 students per age group?
We limit the number of students to 25 per age group to ensure that each participant receives close attention from our staff. This approach helps us focus on developing each young writer's skills not only in writing but also in social and emotional aspects. It allows us to maintain a high quality of engagement and support throughout the Institute.

What if my child needs to leave early or cannot attend certain days?
Registration covers the entire duration of the Institute, and full payment is required regardless of attendance. We understand that there may be circumstances requiring early departure or absence on certain days; however, these situations should be managed at your discretion, keeping in mind that fees cannot be prorated or refunded for missed days.

How will communication be handled?
The registration marks the beginning of communication about the Institute. Once children are admitted, more detailed information about the schedule, activities, and any necessary forms for clearances will be provided. Adults are encouraged to reach out with any additional questions they may have.

Are sibling discounts available?
Yes, sibling discounts occur automatically when registering more than one child for YWI. For each additional child registered, a discount of $50 will be automatically applied to the total. Up to three additional children can be covered under the sibling discount, resulting in a maximum discount of $150.

Are need-based scholarships available?
Yes, need-based assistance options are available in registration. 

YWI FAQ

When and where will the Young Writers Institute take place?
The Young Writers Institute will run weekdays from June 22 to June 30, held Monday through Friday each week. A closing ceremony will take place on July 1. The Institute will be primarily located at the University of Pittsburgh, Posvar Hall, 230 South Bouquet Street.  

What are the Institute hours?
Children can be dropped off as early as 8:30 a.m. The Institute starts promptly at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. Pick-up time is between 1:00 p.m. and 1:15 p.m., and all children must be picked up by 1:15 p.m. 

Who will be teaching at the Young Writers Institute?
The instructors at the Young Writers Institute are a diverse group of educators and students deeply engaged in the craft of writing and education. Our teachers include certified teachers who have completed the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project's Summer Institute and now serve as fellows for the organization. Additionally, graduate students from the University of Pittsburgh, who are pursuing degrees in writing and teacher education, will also be part of the teaching staff. This mix of experienced teachers and emerging educators ensures a rich, supportive learning environment for all participants.

Will there be off-site activities?
Yes, in addition to our main location, we may possibly utilize various nearby locations such as the Cathedral of Learning's nationality rooms, Carnegie Museum of Art, Phipps Museum, and Carnegie Public Library. All these sites are within walking distance, and we will notify adults in advance of any off-site activities.

What should my child bring to camp?
Daily lunch will not be provided. We encourage campers to bring a lunch and bottle water. Please note, lunches must be ready to eat. There will be no microwave or refrigerator access. Please refrain from bringing nuts. Any necessary health-related materials should be brought daily. Detailed instructions and forms for these requirements will be shared upon registration.

Is there anything else adults should know?
We expect adults to send lunch with their children, and we will provide forms to better understand and support each child's needs in the absence of their adults. We strive to create a supportive and enriching environment for all participants.

A Day at YWI  

What does a typical day look like at the Young Writers Institute?
Details for 2026 coming soon!

2026 Pick Up and Drop Off

Details for 2026 coming soon!