Hurston/Wright Creative Writing Workshop for Teens (tuition-free)
Summer Session, July 12 – July 23, 2010 – Fall Session, September 2010 to May 2011 (twice a month)
The Hurston/Wright Creative Writing Workshop for Teens is targeted to 8th through 12th grade students interested in writing as a pastime or a career (rather than those requiring remedial services or those with advanced skills). This workshop provides new opportunities for students who are interested in creative writing to develop their writing and reading skills in a nurturing group setting that celebrates Black literature. The program will nurture students’ analytical skills and motivate participants to become deeply and emotionally invested in their writing. Most importantly, the Creative Writing Workshop for Teens will enable students to become effective communicators, which will assist them throughout their educational and professional careers and in all aspects of life.
In response to ongoing requests from students, parents and teachers, the Creative Writing Workshop for Teens will make it possible for the Foundation to go from conducting just one week-long writing workshop for 12 students to conducting two, two week-long, workshops with 12 students in each workshop. This non-residential workshop will run during the summer for two consecutive weeks followed by continued instruction throughout the academic year, (thereby serving more students for an extended period of time).
Students in grades 8 through 12 in Prince George’s County and Washington, D.C. will be eligible to participate in this year-long, Creative Writing Workshop for Teens, regardless of race or ethnic background.
Student Achievements
- 2007-2008 Hurston/Wright Creative Writing Workshop for Teens participant Omari Daniels wins a full four-year scholarship to George Washington University
- Thais Francis a 2007-2008 Creative Writing Workshop for Teens participant was the 1st place winner of the 2007 Congressional Black Caucus Essay Contest
Workshop Schedule
Classes meet Monday – Thursday from 6pm – 9pm. Individual conferences with workshop leaders take place at times agreed upon by workshop leaders and participants.
Admission
The selection process for the Hurston/Wright Creative Writing Workshop for Teens is competitive. We traditionally receive a large number of applications for our programs. In order to provide the highest quality of instruction possible, class sizes are kept small. Therefore, we cannot accommodate ALL qualified writers.
-->
How to Apply:
All manuscripts must be double spaced in 12 pt. font.
- Complete application (note there is a $10 application fee)
- Email writing sample and letter of recommendation to info@hurstonwright.org
- Applications, writing sample and letter of recommendation must be received by June 22, 2010. Applications received after June 22 will be considered only if space is available.
- Letters of acceptance will be e-mailed by June 29th.
Workshop
Requirements
Creative Nonfiction
Up to 10 pages of a memoir or real life story; and a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, Pastor, or family friend
Fiction
Up to 10 pages of a fiction narrative; and a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, Pastor, or family friend
Facility
All classes will be held at the
Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex
8001 Sheriff Road
Landover, MD 20785Sponsored in Part By
The National Harbor Community Outreach Fund, The Prince George's County Government Office of the County Executive and Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.
Tuition$59
Register 2 students/siblings and receive a 20% discount
Do not make this payment until you have received an acceptance letter from Hurston/Wright
-->Creative Nonfiction
Will introduce the basic elements of creative writing, and demonstrate how this genre of writing can enhance every facet of the students communication skills and full self-expression.
Felicia Pride, literary activist, teaching artist, speaker, and founder of BackList an organization dedicated to harnessing the power of words and images. Her debut young adult novel, Patterson Heights, a remarkable story about brotherhood, redemption, and new beginnings, was selected as a 2010 Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers by the American Library Association. She holds an M.A. in writing and publishing from Emerson College.
Fiction
This workshop will introduce the basic elements of creative writing, and demonstrate how this genre of writing can enhance every facet of the students communication skills and full self-expression.
Nekea Valentine is a freelance writer who has written for publications such as Naturally You! Magazine, Jones Magazine and various online publications. She is a short story award-recipient for the LAND Writing Competition. She has conducted workshops for teenage students about the artistic expression and expansion of hip-hop. She is currently writing her debut novel.
- Does the Foundation provide transportation for workshop participants?
No, but the workshops are conveniently conveniently located near public transportation.
How many students are in each workshop?
Up to 12 students per workshop.
Do students earn credit toward their high school diploma?
No, however the workshops will enable students to become effective communicators which will assist them throughout their education and professional careers.
What are the grade levels for the workshop?
Students must be in 8th through 12th grade as of June 2010
When is the submission deadline?
June 22, 2010
What is the registration fee?
$10 made payable to the Hurston/Wright Foundation.
When are classes held?
Monday – Thursday from 6pm – 9pm.
When will students be notified of the status of their application?
Letters of acceptance will be emailed by June 29, 2010.
