Summer Writers Workshop

An exciting experience now in its 38th summer, this workshop provides America’s most talented high school writers with the opportunity to work in intensive, small-group workshops led by nationally recognized authors.

Featuring workshops in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction, Susquehanna’s Summer Writers Workshop was selected as a “Best Value in Summer College Programs” by Early College Programs and named one of the 500 best summer programs in the world by Princeton Review.

Experienced writers entering grades 10–12 in the fall of 2025 are eligible to attend the 2025 Summer Writers Workshop. Participants will be required to submit a writing portfolio containing 3–5 pages of any creative writing in any genre; fiction, poetry, memoir, journalism or plays, as part of the registration process.

Highlights

The Summer Writers Workshop offers a variety of writing activities throughout the week to help you become a better writer. You’ll also get valuable advice about college writing programs and career opportunities.

Here’s what you can expect:

Attend daily seminar classes taught by Susquehanna creative writing faculty.
Study elements of craft in fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction.
Write between 10 and 30 new pages.
Workshop your new work in a supportive environment.
Practice the art of revision.
Have individual conferences with your professor.
Undertake exciting, hands-on exercises to spark your creativity — from describing how to dismember a fish, to dreaming up lives for people buried in a cemetery near our campus.
Enjoy a field trip to one of the world’s best used bookstores, a hidden Pennsylvania treasure.
Perform your new work in the Saturday Student Reading.
Publish your new work in the SWW Anthology.

Summer Writers Workshop attendees must arrive at Susquehanna University between 2:30 and 4 p.m. on July 13 for workshop orientation. Workshop activities will begin at 5 p.m. The following days will include a full daily schedule of group workshops, individual conferences, fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction performances and appearances by guest writers. A public reading will close the Writers Workshop on Saturday, the last day of the program.

Workshop activities are held in the Writers Institute House, Apfelbaum Hall and the Degenstein Campus Center, all located within walking distance of air-conditioned residence halls. Residence halls are also located near tennis courts, outdoor basketball courts, indoor swimming pool, computer labs, art gallery and library. Students will receive three meals per day featuring unlimited entrees and soup and salad, deli, and dessert bars. All students will be housed in single rooms unless otherwise requested.

Information to Know

Things to Bring

General Items

Toiletry Items
Pillow
Blanket (if desired)
- Linens, including sheets, a pillowcase, a thin blanket and towels will be provided.
Snacks, drinks (if desired)
- There is access to a small kitchenette with mini fridge, sink and microwave.
Blanket or beach towel to sit on for outdoor movie night
Casual clothing for classes and most scheduled events
Swimwear
Tennis rackets, frisbees, etc. (if you enjoy playing)
Writing folder/tablet, pens, pencils
Laptop (not required)
Alarm clock
Spending money (for bookstore, evening snacks, if desired)

Check-in, Final Day, and Check-Out

Maps and Directions

151 Weber Way
Selinsgrove, PA 17870

View and download a printable campus map or click the button below to go to google to download and print driving directions.

Get driving directions

Check-in

Sunday, 2:30–4 p.m.
Degenstein Campus Center, Mellon Lounge

Parent Orientation
Sunday, 4:15–5 p.m.
Degenstein Campus Center, Winifred Shearer Dining Rooms 1–3

Final Day: Student Readings, Reception and Lunch, and Check-Out

Program participants will present their final presentation on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon. (Presentation Room: Announced at Saturday breakfast)
A reception will be held in the Degenstein Campus Center following the student readings from noon to 12:30 p.m., immediately followed by lunch.
Parents/family members are encouraged to participate in the Saturday events and should make reservations for lunch by indicating how many guests will attend on the registration form.
Directions to the presentation areas will be available at check-in on Sunday afternoon. The reception and lunch will be in the same building as the check-in.
Students will check out of their rooms immediately after lunch on Saturday and must return rooms keys and building fobs at that time.
Event Management staff will be available at the residence halls to facilitate check-out and collect keys, etc.

Health Services

While there are no campus health center services available for the Summer Pre-College Programs participants, program staff will have first aid kits for minor scrapes and scratches.

Should a program participant need any emergency attention, local hospitals and Urgent Care Centers are readily available. Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately to discuss options and insurance arrangements.

The Medical Form is a crucial part of any medical or emergency procedure and must be returned before the start of the program for the student to be considered fully registered.

Cars on Campus & Leaving Campus

If a student drives to campus for any of the Summer Pre-College Programs, the Event Management Office will hold the keys to the vehicle from Sunday afternoon to the following Saturday morning.

Program participants are not permitted to leave campus unless the activity is part of the program’s schedule, and they are accompanied by student counselors or program directors.

Violation of this or any other regulation established by the “Principles of Student Conduct” will forfeit a student’s participation in the program.

Contacting Students via Mail and Phone

Students may have access to their cell phones except for the following times: classroom and instruction sessions and guest speaker presentations, at which time cell phones must be put in silent mode or turned off. If you must reach your student during these times, please contact the Event Management Office at 570-372-4354.

Mail

Families can send mail to participants at the following address:

Event Management Office
Summer Writers Workshop
Susquehanna University
1858 Weber Way
Selinsgrove, PA 17870

Phone Numbers

To reach students on campus, please call:

Event Management Office
570-372-4354
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1–5 p.m.
University’s Main Switchboard
570-374-0101 (ask for the Event Management Office)
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Susquehanna University Campus Safety
570-372-4444 or 4428 (anytime)

Available Schedules

Parents and students will receive a copy of the program’s week-long schedule during check-in.

Required Forms

*Participant safety is our highest priority. Susquehanna University reserves the right to cancel Summer Pre-College Programs, if necessary, to comply with local, state, and federal guidelines and recommendations and reserves the right to change course based on circumstances.

medical & conduct forms

Costs & Refund Policy

The $875 comprehensive fee includes personalized instruction, room, meals, and all program materials, as well as an anthology including your fiction or poetry mailed to your home.

Must be registered by July 1.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available based on financial need and academic performance. No full-tuition scholarships are available.

A letter from your guidance counselor indicating your eligibility for free/reduced lunch or other measures of financial need, is required for scholarship consideration. Scholarships are available regardless of whether the program is offered online or in-person.

Deadlines

Must be registered by July 1.

All supporting documentation must be received prior to your arrival on campus.

Summer Pre-College Programs Cancellation & Refund Policy

Refund requests may be submitted for early departures due to unforeseeable circumstances such as death in the immediate family or serious illness. Refunds will be reviewed and granted on a case-by-case basis.

Susquehanna University reserves the right to cancel any Summer Pre-College Program. If Susquehanna University cancels the program you are registered for, you will receive a full refund.

Cancellations made at least 10 days prior to the start of the program will be refunded in full.

Refunds will not be provided for cancellations received fewer than 10 days prior to the program.

Early departures for reasons including but not limited to homesickness, parental request, and failure to follow the program’s principles of conduct are not eligible for a refund.