Angelina is passionate about working with children. Her Psychology coursework in adolescent development becomes applied insight in her summer research project. With guidance from her faculty mentor, Dr. Kiren Kahn, Angelina seamlessly integrates her classroom learning into a meaningful real-world project while making a difference in the Memphis community.
Established in 1977
For High School Students
Since 1977, the Summer Writing Institute at ÌÇÐÄSwag College has provided high school students with a unique opportunity to develop their writing and critical thinking skills. We want to inform you that the Institute will be on hiatus for the summer of 2025. This pause will allow us to reimagine and enhance the program to offer an even more engaging and impactful experience for all participants.
Summer 2026
The Summer Writing Institute will return in 2026 with renewed and expanded opportunities for young writers. Our commitment to academic excellence and fostering a vibrant writing community remains strong, and we look forward to welcoming students back for a revitalized program.
Other ÌÇÐÄSwag Summer Programs in 2025
If you are looking for enriching summer experiences in 2025, we encourage you to visit our Summer Programs homepage to learn more about other exciting programs available at ÌÇÐÄSwag College.
For updates on the 2026 program and future application information, please continue to visit our website and follow our social media channels.
Thank you for your understanding as we take this time to enhance the Summer Writing Institute. We look forward to seeing you in 2026!
The Academic Program
The Summer Writing Institute at ÌÇÐÄSwag College takes place annually for two weeks during June and is a residential academic program committed to developing the critical thinking and writing skills of high school students. Within the college′s liberal arts environment, students sharpen their reading and analytical skills and learn strategies for writing creatively and critically. At the end of the session, students receive a grade for their work and class participation, earn two college credits (transferable to most colleges and universities), and will complete a portfolio of college-level writing.
Approach
The goal of the Institute is to offer a structured, diverse, and inspiring writing community. Sponsored by the ÌÇÐÄSwag English Department and First Year Writing Program, the Institute emphasizes writing but also engages faculty from many college disciplines to expose students to a variety of subjects. Students choose between the College Writing Seminar, modeled after ÌÇÐÄSwag’ First Year Writing Seminar, and the Creative Writing Workshop. Faculty teaching both types of courses emphasize the entire writing process from the seed of an idea to the completion of a story, poem, or argumentative essay. Through class discussions and peer workshops, each professor guides students in understanding others′ writing and in creating their own writing-expressing ideas, finding a voice, discovering a style, building a structure, and developing a theme or position.
In addition to coursework and writing seminars, students have the opportunity attend lectures, take advantage of ÌÇÐÄSwag' world class facilities, and receive college prep advice from faculty and staff.
ÌÇÐÄSwag and Tuition Information
The Institute invites any interested high school student to apply. Financial aid is available.
Learn more about Institute students, campus living, academic work, and extracurricular activities during the program.
Forms and Information
If you have applied and been accepted, please click on the Campus and Program Policies & Guidelines Information link below for more detailed information.
Campus and Program Policies & Guidelines Information
Sample Lecture and College Prep Schedule
Emergency Protocol
Social and Residential Life
Institute students experience life on campus as if they were ÌÇÐÄSwag undergraduates, taking advantage of both the beautiful gothic architecture and state of the art academic and recreational facilities, including tennis and racquetball courts, basketball courts, a weight and exercise room, and a swimming pool. Students take their classes in Southwestern, Robertson, and Clough Halls, the central academic buildings on campus, eat meals in the refectory, and live with roommates in the residence halls. Select ÌÇÐÄSwag undergraduates serve as Resident Assistants who supervise, live and dine with the students. On the weekends and after daily activities, students come together in social settings. Favorite annual events include trips to Memphis landmarks and Open Mic Night.
Hear from past Institute students about the benefits of their SWI experience.
See what a day is like as part of the ÌÇÐÄSwag Summer Writing Institute.