Welcome to PhilWP
PhilWP is a practitioner network, connecting K-university educators with teachers, principals, parents, and out-of-school-time leaders to explore literacy, writing, teaching, and learning across grade levels and disciplines. Each year, new teacher-leaders join the PhilWP network and work in classrooms and other education spaces, supporting young people as writers and learners. A site of the National Writing Project, PhilWP has served Philadelphia schools since 1986.
News & Events
Project Write
In collaboration with Independence National Historical Park, PhilWP welcomes students entering grades 9-12 who desire to write, explore history, and develop digital and artistic talent. This summer, students will participate in a two-week online program (with some face-to-face opportunities, if possible) where they will explore the power of language and learn about the city where our nation began.
This summer’s program will be held Tuesday through Friday, July 20–July 30, 2021, 10 am–12 noon. The cost is $300. Scholarships are available for Philadelphia students. Applications are now being accepted. Limited to 25 students. Register for Project Write.
Philly Journalism Camp
PhilWP’s journalism camp builds on previous work with The Philly School Media
Network. This summer, high school students who want to explore journalism as a way to make an impact through writing can participate in this one-week online program, which includes presentations by professional journalists and multiple opportunities for publication. Students will have opportunities to research and write about the events and ideas that are currently of greatest interest to them and get help from journalism teachers and other participants.
This summer’s program will be held July 26–30, 2021, 10 am–12 Noon. Applications are now being accepted. Limited to 30 students. The cost is $150. Scholarships are available for Philadelphia students. Register for the Philly Journalism Camp.
Humor Writing Camp
PhilWP is offering a one-week online Humor Writing Summer Camp for students entering grades 9-12. Students will focus on parody/satire news writing and will have the opportunity to learn from and explore multiple kinds of humorous texts. Students will write and respond to each other and discuss tips, tricks, and theories related to humor writing.
This year's camp will take place from July 12-July 16, 10 am-12 noon. The cost is $150. Scholarships are available for Philadelphia students. Applications are now being accepted. Register for Humor Writing Camp. Limited to 25 students. Email mmanni@gse.upenn.edu with any questions.
The Black Girls Literacies Project
PhilWP is offering a one-week Black Girls Literacies Project for adolescent girls ages 13-18. Students will read, write, and respond to each other in order to explore the concept of love. This is a space for students who enjoy composing texts, using digital tools, and platforms (such as TikTok and Instagram) and desire to learn more about how to love themselves and others.
The program will take place from August 2–6, 9 am–12 noon. The cost is $150. Scholarships are available for Philadelphia students. Limited to 20 students. Applications are now being accepted Register for The Black Girls Literacies Project.
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
The Philadelphia Writing Project serves as the Regional Writing Affiliate for the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. The Art and Writing Awards are coordinated by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, which seeks to identify and support exceptional writers and artists. Learn more about the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
Congratulations to the 2021 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Honorees. View the list of local winners.
Teaching with Primary Sources Webinar Series
For the past three summers, PhilWP Teacher Consultants (TCs) have integrated sources and strategies from the Library of Congress' Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) Regional Program into our Invitational Summer Institute (ISI) on Writing and Literacy. This year, we also sponsored an Advanced Institute on Writing, Learning, and Leading and partnered with School District of Philadelphia Learning Networks 2 and 11 to expand our leadership capacity around teaching with primary sources. Our work has been funded by generous PhilWP supporters and TPS Eastern Region grants.
This school year, PhilWP TCs are planning a series of webinars on teaching with primary sources to support writing, inquiry, reflection, and justice-oriented action in our classrooms. If you have a webinar topic to suggest and want to contribute, email Trey Smith at jftreysmith@gmail.com.
PhilWP Update
The PhilWP Update provides news and current information for local teachers and partners. Sign up for the PhilWP Update.
