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THE PHILADELPHIA WRITING PROJECT

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.

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News & Events

Four people are gathered around a table, looking at books and papers. Two are standing, and two are seated, engaged in a collaborative activity.

2025 Invitational PhilWP Institute Application is Open!

Join PhilWP for our very first semester-long invitational institute, starting with three joyful days on August 5th, 6th, and 7th on Penn's campus. The remaining 7 sessions run from September through December.

Scholarships Available for School District of Philadelphia Teachers.

Each month includes:
– At least one in-person Saturday session in Philadelphia
– One remote weekday session via Zoom

Participants who complete the Institute will become part of the Philadelphia Writing Project and National Writing Project Networks. They will also receive:
– 6 CE Credits
– Penn GSE Certificate in Inquiry-Based Writing Pedagogies
– 180 Act 48 credits

Learn more about the PhilWP Institute and apply today!

 

A colorful promotional flyer for the Philadelphia Writing Project's Youth Writing Festival 2025. The design features a blue and white checkerboard border with yellow, blue, and orange sections. The text reads: Join the Philadelphia Writing Project for this year’s Youth Writing Festival 2025; Featuring: Scholastic Art and Writing Award winners; Local teen literary magazines, Poetry, art, and zines; Workshops, prizes, merch, and the chance to meet other young writers and creators! Event details: Thursday, May 8th, 2025 on UPenn’s campus, Philadelphia, PA at 5 PM – 7 PM. The Philadelphia Writing Project logo appears in the bottom right corner.

Youth Writing Festival

Mark your calendars! PhilWP is so excited to announce our first annual Youth Writing Festival!

Join us on May 8th at the University of Pennsylvania as we showcase the creative work of Philadelphia’s talented young writers and creators! Attendees will be able to visit tables run by local writing organizations and youth creators, join workshops to strengthen their writing skills, learn about being a published author, and much more!

Be sure to pass along this information to the youth writers in your life. Our festival is a great opportunity for students to foster their love of writing and connect with other writers who share similar passions!

RSVP the Youth Writing Festival.

 

Flyer for the 'Kids Zine Workshop' featuring a collage-style design with red, blue, and white textured paper cutouts. The title 'Kids Zine Workshop' is in bold white text on a blue background. Below, a description in black typewriter-style font reads: 'Try printmaking, collaging, and other techniques to create a unique zine or booklet!' Another section states: 'Led by researchers at Penn Graduate School of Education and youth zine publishers.' Event details include: 'Ages 7-14, June 23-27, 9 AM - 3 PM, University of Pennsylvania Campus, Apply at bit.ly/kidszineworkshop.' A highlighted note in white text on a red background announces: 'Join us on Friday, June 27 for our culminating zine fair!' Logos for the Philadelphia Writing Project and Penn GSE (Graduate School of Education, University of Pennsylvania) appear at the bottom of the flyer.

Kids Zine Workshop

Love to get creative? Want to publish your own mini-magazine, or zine? Join Penn GSE researchers and the team of NOVA Lit Mag, a collective of youth zine artists, to learn collage, printing, typography, and other techniques to create a zine about a topic you’re passionate about. The program, from June 23-27, will culminate in an afternoon-length festival, in which you can share your printed zines with friends and family. This is an excellent chance to experiment with new art and writing techniques and try your hand at publishing your own work! Check out our flier for more details and apply for the Kids Zine Workshop.

 

A digital flyer for the Black Girls’ Literacies Project (BGLP) 2025 Summer Institute. The flyer invites Black girls aged 14–18 to join a free inquiry group focused on self-love literacies. It highlights that participants will read, write, and discuss the histories of Black women and girls in Philadelphia, exploring how these stories can inspire activism and social change. The program includes one-on-one interviews, nine sessions from June 23 to July 3, 2025 (weekdays only, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) at the Penn Women’s Center, field trips to The Colored Girls Museum and other locations, and provides a $200 stipend. Lunch will be served at each session. Interested participants are directed to sign up via tinyurl.com/BGLP2025.

Black Girls' Literacies Project (BGLP) 2025 Summer Institute

The Black Girls’ Literacies Project (BGLP) is a summer program designed for Black girls (ages 14-18) to explore self-love through reading, writing, and creative expression. Participants will engage in discussions, storytelling, and explore the histories of Black women and girls in Philadelphia, using these narratives as a foundation for understanding self-love and social change. Led by Barrett Rosser, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, and hosted by the Philadelphia Writing Project, the BGLP Summer Institute offers a hybrid format. The program will take place from June 23 – July 3, 2025, with in-person sessions at the Penn Women’s Center.

Register for the BGLP 2025 Summer Institute!

 

Flyer for

Philly Journalism Camp

Students entering grades 9-12 will explore journalism as a way to make an impact through writing. This one-week program will include presentations by professional journalists and multiple opportunities for publication using text, photography, and short videos. 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.

The cost is $350. Scholarships are available for Philadelphia students. Limited to 30 students.

Register for the Philly Journalism Camp.

 

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards logo

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.

Congratulations to the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards honorees! View the list of local winners.

 

Celebration of Writing and Literacy

The Celebration of Writing and Literacy is an annual convening of educators.

Next conference will be held Fall 2026.

 

PhilWP Update

 

The PhilWP Update provides news and current information for local teachers and partners. Sign up for the PhilWP Update.