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

A young girl is writing a note while seated at a wooden table and is joined by an adult looking through other paper and sticky notes.

A large group of diverse young people and a few adults posing for a group photo on a wide set of modern, indoor stadium-style stairs. Most are seated on blue cushioned tiers, while others stand or sit on the steps behind them. They are dressed in a variety of casual clothing, including sweatshirts, t-shirts, and sweaters. The setting features light-colored walls and a wood-paneled ceiling with recessed lighting.

A group of approximately ten diverse women are seated around a long, grey table in a brightly lit classroom or workshop setting. They are engaged in a creative activity, with the table cluttered with open laptops, magazines, scissors, markers, and notebooks. Some participants are writing or cutting out images, while others look toward a woman at the head of the table who appears to be speaking

PhilWP Celebrates 40 Years!

The Philadelphia Writing Project is thrilled to celebrate 40 years of service! Please consider making a donation—your gift directly supports students and teachers across the Philadelphia area and helps us continue this important work. Join us as we work toward our goal of $40,000 for our 40th anniversary.

Donate to PhilWP

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Youth Writing Festival

This spring, we can’t wait to welcome you to our Youth Writing Festival at Penn GSE on May 7, 2026! The festival will highlight the incredible work PhilWP has accomplished over the past year and feature student presenters, along with a special musical performance. RSVPs will be coming soon—we hope to celebrate with you!

Three adults sit around a rectangular table in a classroom or workshop space, engaged in discussion. Papers, notebooks, a laptop, and books are spread across the table. One person smiles while speaking, and the others listen attentively. Whiteboards and additional materials are visible in the background, suggesting a collaborative learning or planning session.

A group of adults poses outdoors in front of large, bright yellow sculptural letters at a city intersection. Some people stand while others kneel in front. Buildings, street signs, and a bus are visible in the background, indicating an urban setting. The group smiles at the camera, suggesting a team outing or organized event.

A large, diverse group of adults stands closely together on the front porch of a historic building labeled “The Girls Museum.” Many smile at the camera, and several people in the front hold printed posters. The group appears relaxed and celebratory, suggesting a community gathering, workshop, or group visit.

A group of four young women sitting around a circular wooden table in a collaborative meeting or study session. They are focused on various materials, including open notebooks, papers with printed images, and sticky notes. The setting appears to be a bright, modern office or classroom with white walls. Multiple water bottles and coffee cups are scattered across the table.

Invitational Summer Institute

Join a Community of Inquiry, Writing, and Justice-Oriented Teaching

Since 1986, the Philadelphia Writing Project’s (PhilWP) Invitational Summer Institute (ISI) on Writing and Literacy has supported teachers in developing an inquiry stance on practice and writing pedagogy. ISI is centered around providing powerful spaces to support writing, inquiry, reflection, teaching with AI, and justice-oriented action within and across disciplines.

Learn more and apply to the Institute.

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Youth Camp: Zines for Change

Ages 7-14

9AM – 3PM
June 22-26 2026

Join our Zine Fair on June 26th

Join local artists and zine publishers to try printmaking, collaging, and other techniques to create a unique zine about an issue you care about.

Sign up for our Kids Zine Workshop!

Application deadline is March 1, 2026. Scholarships are available.

Activities include:

Printing and stamping
Comics
Junk journaling
Collage
Origami, pockets, and 3D zines
Digital zine design

Location:

University of Pennsylvania GSE
3700 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19146

Contact:

cdabbott@upenn.edu

Announcement graphic celebrating the Philadelphia Writing Project as a 2025 Library of Congress Literacy Award Program Honoree. The text highlights that the program honors innovative and sustainable literacy initiatives worldwide and notes that the Philadelphia Writing Project is one of 24 programs recognized this year.

EXCITING NEWS! The Philadelphia Writing Project has been selected as a 2025 Library of Congress Literacy Award Program Honoree!

This program recognizes organizations in the US and abroad that “provide exemplary, innovative, sustainable, and replicable strategies to promote literacy and reading.” Established by the Library of Congress in 2013, the program has awarded more than $4.3 million to more than 220 organizations in 42 countries since its inception. It is our profound honor to be one of 24 programs recognized this year.

If you’d like to learn more about the Literacy Awards program, please visit www.loc.gov/literacy for more information and to learn about all this year’s honorees.

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 2026 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.

Welcome to PhilWP