TheInnerU

If you’re a New York City teen and you like the idea of writing stories that will help your peers, YCteen may be the place for you!

YCteen writers get published online and in a print magazine that’s distributed to hundreds of high schools, libraries, and community-based organizations in New York City. Most teens on the staff write personal stories about their own lives, and reported stories about issues that affect young people.

Youth Communication’s Summer Writing Workshop
July 8 – August 15, 2013

No prior journalism experience is required, but you must commit to a rigorous schedule. You will get one-on-one mentoring from a professional editor, write and revise memoir-style and reported stories, spend time “on the street” as a reporter, go on field trips, and participate in the production of videos for our websites. This is a competitive program—there will be a maximum of 10 students—so start working on your application essays now!

Participants in the summer workshop may write for either of Youth Communication’s two award-winning magazines: YCteen, by and for New York City high school students, or Represent, by and for young people in foster care.

Dates and Times: The workshop runs Monday through Thursday from July 8 to August 15. The hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You must be able to attend every day.

Cost: The workshop is free because YCteen funders cover the $3,000 cost for each participant.

Stipend:  MetroCards and $5 for lunch each day are provided. (Youth in foster care will also receive a $600 stipend upon successful completion of the workshop.)

Facilities: The workshop will be taught at the Youth Communication office in mid-town Manhattan. The office is easily accessible by most major subway lines.

Staff: Writers will be taught by Youth Communication editors who have substantial experience working in journalism and youth development.

Eligibility: Anyone ages 15 to 20 who lives within commuting distance is eligible to apply. YCTeen is interested in your writing skills, but when they judge your essays, they will also look for your knowledge and enthusiasm. Youth Communication’s most essential job is to convey important information to teens in an interesting way.

History: This is the 34th year YCteen has run the summer program. Workshop alumni have gone on to attend colleges from Hunter to Harvard, and they include reporters, lawyers, teachers, and authors.

Deadline: Applications must be received by May 10, 2013. Top candidates will be contacted by May 24 for interviews.

To Apply: Fill out the online application here or download a PDF of the application to print out.

Questions? Contact Autumn at aspanne@youthcomm.org or call (212) 279-0708, ext. 116