APPLICATION DEADLINE:
DECEMBER 12, 2025
The Carnegie Center invites young women and nonbinary writers in grades 9–12 to apply to the Young Writers Project, a FREE series of intensive workshops focused on creative self-expression through writing. The selected group of participants will attend seven sessions (see below). In these workshops, experienced writers in their 20s and 30s will mentor on a variety of genres, encouraging participants to look within themselves for issues that are important in their lives. Participants will also learn techniques to deliver an effective literary reading and other business-of-writing tips. The program will culminate in a public reading and a Writing Mentor Day. Previously called the Young Women Writers Project, the Young Writers Project welcomes writers of all historically underrepresented genders who celebrate varied expressions of feminism.
WHERE & WHEN: All sessions take place from 10:00AM–2:00PM at the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning (251 West Second Street, in downtown Lexington, KY). Participants must commit to attending all seven sessions. Workshops will be February 21 through April 4.
February 21: Workshop TBD
February 28: Workshop TBD
March 7: Workshop TBD
March 14: Workshop TBD
March 21: Workshop TBD
March 28: Workshop TBD
April 4: Workshop TBD
MENTORING DAY: Participants will be required to attend a Writing Mentoring Day at a local elementary school (typically a weekday in April from 3-5 PM; exact date/time TBD). The Carnegie Center can provide a letter to schools requesting early dismissal if needed. Participants will create and orchestrate creative writing exercises with 4th and 5th graders. Cash stipends are provided for Mentoring Day participation.
PUBLIC READING:Participants will be invited to showcase their writing in a public reading at the Carnegie Center (May 2026). Cash stipends are provided for participation in the reading.
COST: There is NO application or participation fee! Students admitted to the program will receive full scholarships. Participants are asked to bring bag lunches, as lunch will not be provided. The Young Writers Project is funded in part by the Kentucky Foundation for Women.
APPLICATION MATERIALS: To be considered for the program, please submit the following:
• a completed cover sheet
• a one-page letter stating your interest and motivations for participation
• a writing sample (5 pages maximum)
• a photo/video release form (if you do not give us permission to use your photo, please make a note on the form)
The cover sheet and the photo/video release form are included in the downloadable application (see below).
APPLICATION MENTORING: Mentors are available to you for free to assist with preparing your application materials. All interested applicants are encouraged to schedule time with a mentor. Please reach out ahead of the application deadline.
This program welcomes participants with diverse expressions of cultural identity; from varying communities of place; and with a range of worldviews, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and levels of ability.
Application should be postmarked, hand-delivered to the Carnegie Center, or emailed with the subject line “Young Writers Project Application” to Maggie Garnett at maggie@carnegiecenterlex.org by FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12. Cohort will be limited to 15 young writers.
Applicants will be notified no later than February 6, 2026.
For more information, contact Maggie Garnett at maggie@carnegiecenterlex.org.
Send cover sheet, letter of interest, and writing sample to:
Young Writers Project
The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning
251 West Second Street
Lexington, KY 40507
