In July, Northfield Mount Hermon will launch an inaugural online summer writing institute for students entering grades 7–12 who wish to join instructional writing workshops in a variety of genres led by published writers from around the United States.
The Lamplighter Literary Arts Summer Writing Institute will offer 25 contact hours with teachers between Sunday, July 11 and Friday, July 23.
Workshops are offered in fiction writing, poetry, journalism, and screenwriting. Students will select a genre and join a morning or evening workshop, which will be led by two teams of instructors.
“These are talented award-winning novelists, journalists, poets, and filmmakers,” institute director John Corrigan said in a news release. “More than that, they're seasoned educators who want to mentor young writers.”
Establishing an online community of writers is Corrigan's priority.
“I want young writers to know they are supported, and to feel encouraged by their peers and workshop leaders,” said Corrigan, who teaches English and oversees student writing programs at NMH. “Students will learn about their chosen genre, work on their craft, and also meet peers who take writing seriously.”
Corrigan anticipates that the connections established in the summer workshops among student writers could continue beyond the program as they hone their skills.
Workshop sessions in all genres will run Monday through Friday for two weeks, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. A midday optional “artist's talk” will also take place, featuring readings and discussions from visiting writers.
The cost of the program is $900. Financial aid is available.
A one-week offering in crime fiction from July 26 to 30, will be offered for $450.
Virtual information sessions on both programs will be offered. To register, or to learn more, contact Corrigan at [email protected].
NMH Summer Session is also offering virtual three- and six-week versions of three programs: College Prep, Rising Scholars, and ESOL. Students can earn credit, move ahead academically, build skills, and close gaps in their education.
These virtual programs are open to any student entering grades 7–12 in the fall of 2021. Tuition ranges from $450 to $3,500. Financial aid is available.
Visit nmhschool.org/summer to learn more and apply.