Iowa Young Writers' Studio Summer Residential Program
Iowa Writers' Workshop writing intensive
100 participants
Iowa Young Writers' Studio is a selective two-week writing retreat at the University of Iowa where high school students develop creative writing skills under Iowa MFA instructors.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
$2,500
Participation format
Individual
Duration
2 weeks
Time needed
Residential, 2 weeks
Eligibility
Open to current high school students in grades 9-12 from anywhere in the world. Selection is competitive based on a creative writing sample (poetry or prose) and personal essay.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 14 to 18 years
- Academic requirement
- Demonstrated talent in creative writing; competitive selection based on writing portfolio and personal essay
- Prerequisites
- Prior creative writing experience; applicants submit a portfolio of original writing samples
- Regional eligibility criteria
- Must be a current high school student (grades 9-12) at time of application
- Open to students from any country
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Certificate of completion from University of Iowa
Participants receive a certificate of completion from the Iowa Young Writers' Studio at the University of Iowa.
Opens doors to
IYWS affiliation with the Iowa Writers' Workshop is recognized by college admissions and MFA programs as a mark of serious creative writing talent.
Recognition
Affiliated with world's premier writers' program
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 19 Jan 2026
- Registration closed
- 1 Feb 2026
- Dates
- 14 Jun 2026 to 25 Jul 2026
How to apply
- 1Pay $10 application fee and submit online application including creative writing sample (5-10 pages prose or 3-5 poems) and personal essay by February 1, 2026.
- 2Acceptance decisions with financial aid information sent
- 3Accepted students confirm enrollment and submit required forms
Rules and guidelines
- Full residential participation required for both weeks
- Students must participate in daily workshop critique sessions
- Respect for all community members and their writing required
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Program fee is approximately $2,500 USD covering tuition, housing, and meals for the two-week residential program. A $10 non-refundable application fee is also required.
Financial support
Need-based financial aid is available. Students who demonstrate financial need may receive partial or full scholarships. Aid application is submitted after acceptance.
About this opportunity
The Iowa Young Writers' Studio (IYWS) Summer Residential Program is a selective, two-week intensive writing retreat held at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Affiliated with the legendary Iowa Writers' Workshop, IYWS brings together approximately 100 talented high school writers from across the country each summer for an immersive creative writing experience.
Students work in small genre-specific workshops (fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting) led by accomplished published authors and University of Iowa MFA instructors. Each day combines workshop critique sessions, craft lectures, writing time, and readings by visiting authors. Students develop their craft across multiple genres and receive individualized attention to their work.
The program provides a college dormitory experience that gives participants a genuine preview of university creative writing education. Financial aid is available for eligible students based on demonstrated need. A small application fee of $10 is required.
What your child will do
- Small group workshop critique sessions
- Craft lectures by published authors
- Independent writing time
- Visiting author readings
- Campus exploration and social events
Mentors and faculty
Published authors, University of Iowa MFA instructors, and Iowa Writers' Workshop graduate students
Languages
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
Genre-specific workshops (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting) combining daily critique sessions, craft lectures, writing time, and author readings
Frequently asked questions
How can students best prepare their writing samples for submission?
Students should select their strongest, most polished pieces that showcase their unique voice and command of craft. It is beneficial to have peers or mentors review the work for clarity and impact before submission.
What is the typical daily schedule like for participants in the residential program?
Participants typically engage in daily genre-specific workshops, craft lectures, dedicated writing time, and readings by visiting authors. Evenings often include optional social activities and open mic sessions.
How does the program foster a supportive and collaborative writing environment?
The program emphasizes small workshop sizes, peer critique sessions, and one-on-one feedback from instructors. This structure encourages constructive dialogue and a sense of community among young writers.
What are the long-term benefits for students who complete the Iowa Young Writers' Studio program?
Completing the program provides students with advanced writing skills, a strong portfolio, and a deeper understanding of the writing process. The affiliation with the Iowa Writers' Workshop is also highly regarded in college admissions.
Are there opportunities for students to explore different writing genres during the program?
While students choose a core course in a specific genre, the program often includes craft lectures and readings that expose participants to various forms of writing, broadening their literary horizons.
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