Welcome to PhilWP
The Philadelphia Writing Project (PhilWP) is a network connecting PreK–University and out-of-school-time leaders working to advance writing and the teaching of writing across grade levels and disciplines in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. A site of the National Writing Project, PhilWP has served Philadelphia schools since 1986. PhilWP offers ongoing professional learning opportunities, workshops, and courses throughout the year for educators, families, and youth. Members of our network are leaders in their schools, communities, and the field of education. Each year, new teacher-leaders join the PhilWP network by attending the Invitational Summer Institute. They work in classrooms and other education spaces, supporting young people as writers and learners.
News & Events
Celebration of Writing and Literacy
The Celebration of Writing and Literacy is an annual convening of educators. This year’s theme is “Teaching, Learning, and Doing in the Age of AI.
Join us on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Penn Museum (3260 South St.), from 8:00 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. with a reception following.
Learn more on the COWL 2024 site and register today!
Invitational Summer Institute
The Philadelphia Writing Project is open to teachers and out-of-school-time leaders. Teachers who successfully complete the Invitational Summer Institute join our network of more than 850 teachers and are invited to take part in additional programs for PhilWP Teacher Consultants.
Read more about the Invitational Summer Institute
Youth Programs
Friday Night Writes
Students (ages 10+) are invited to attend weekly drop-in sessions from September through November at the Philadelphia Writing Project. Undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students from the University of Pennsylvania will be available to discuss students’ creative and academic writing.
Young people might be working on submissions to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, college scholarship and admission essays, creative works (e.g., poems, short stories, novels), and school assignments. In addition to offering feedback on existing writing, coaches are ready to support young people in thinking about themselves as lifelong writers via writing-centered activities, games, and brainstorming activities.
Sessions will take place Friday afternoons from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. from September 20 through November 15 (virtually or in person on Penn's campus).
ON CAMPUS DROP INS
Location: Gutmann College House (211 S. 40th St.)
For access to the building, ring intercom, enter front doors, and then turn right to find Multipurpose Room past the cafe
VIRTUAL DROP INS
For anyone who would like to meet virtually with a writing coach, fill out this Interest Form to receive a Zoom link and more information about the virtual option.
For more information visit https://www.fridaynightwrites.org/.
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
The Philadelphia Writing Project serves as the regional writing affiliate for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The Art & Writing Awards are coordinated by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, which seeks to identify and support exceptional writers and artists.
Learn more about the Scholastic Art & Writing Award.
The Philadelphia Writing Project is currently seeking volunteer jurors to participate in the 2024 Awards. Please register at tinyurl.com/2024jurors if you are interested in reading the brilliant writing created by local youth!
Congratulations to the 2024 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards honorees! View the list of local winners.
PhilWP Update
The PhilWP Update provides news and current information for local teachers and partners. Sign up for the PhilWP Update.
