Eastern to host summer writing program for high school students
Weeklong workshop runs July 20-24
Willimantic, CT (05/22/2026) — Eastern Connecticut State University will host its first summer writing program for high schoolers from July 20 to 24. The "Eastern Writers Workshop for High School Students" offers aspiring young writers an immersive summer experience in creative writing led by acclaimed faculty and visiting authors.
Designed for high school students with a passion for storytelling and self-expression, the week-long workshop introduces participants to poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Cost:
- Early registration (until July 1): $500
- Registration after July 1: $550
Schedule:
- Monday through Friday (July 2024)
- 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Throughout the program, students will work closely with published writers, participate in interactive workshops, generate original work, and share their writing during an open mic celebration at the end of the week. Participants will also assemble a collection of their creative work by the program's conclusion.
"We're excited to kick off Eastern's Writers Workshop for High School Students this summer," said Daniel Donaghy, professor of English at Eastern. "The program will offer a friendly and nurturing safe space for high school students to learn more about creative writing - poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction - work with published authors, make new friends, and share their work at a celebratory reading at the end of the week."
By the end of the workshop, students will:
- Explore their own creative process and personal voice
- Gain writing experience in multiple creative genres
- Learn how to give and receive supportive feedback in a workshop setting
- Build friendships with fellow young writers
- Gain confidence in their writing abilities
- Create polished work suitable for portfolios and college applications
The workshop will be led by Donaghy, a Connecticut State University Professor of English and Eastern's 2023 University Distinguished Professor. He is the author of five poetry collections, including "Somerset," winner of the 2019 Paterson Poetry Prize. He is also the recipient of the 2025 Allen Ginsberg Poetry Award and the 2022 Auburn Witness Prize. Donaghy's work has appeared in hundreds of literary journals.
Donaghy has worked with high school students for more than 20 years, hosting literary festivals, summer workshops, and other programming to cultivate young writers.
"Dr. Donaghy made his class one of the most enjoyable academic settings I've ever been in," said one of his former students. "His leadership encouraged me to major in creative writing and helped shape my career goals to this day. His insight is not only helpful, but incredibly inspiring. It's very beneficial to be mentored by someone with such an authentic talent and passion for what they do."
The program will also feature visiting artists Frederick Douglass Knowles II and Christine Kandic Torres, both recognized writers and educators, who will join students for special sessions during the week.
More Information:
- Contact Donaghy at donaghyd@easternct.edu
- Visit the program website at www.easternct.edu/summer/events/easternwriters-workshop-for-high-school-students
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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving upwards of 4,000 students annually on its Willimantic campus. A residential campus offering 41 majors and 68 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal arts foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities. Ranked among the top 25 public institutions in the North by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025-26 Best Colleges ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review 15 years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.
Media Attachments
High school students from a previous summer workshop with Donaghy
Professor Donaghy teaching students