SUNY New Paltz’ Hudson Valley Writing Project offers summer writing program for middle school students

NEW PALTZ – The Hudson Valley Writing Project (HVWP) at the State University of New York at New Paltz will soon kick off its Young Writers’ Summer Institute for middle school students. The one-week enrichment program will be held at the Poughkeepsie Day School from July 16 to 20. The program is taught by HVWP teachers who aim to inspire teens as they learn about the craft of writing. Group and individual lessons are designed to support writers in translating their written stories to “digital stories” by adding images, music, and voice over.

According to HVWP, writers will be involved in a lively, creative and supportive community where they have opportunities to share their work with peers. During the program, students will gain a deeper understanding of writing processes and grow in confidence and skill, becoming better writers through practice. On the final day of the program, the group will publish their writing during the culminating celebration.

A parent of a 2011 participant praised the Young Writers’ Summer Institute program. “In one week, my son rediscovered the joy of writing, and, for the first time, discovered how great it can be to work as a team. He enjoyed the diversity of the intimate group, the enthusiasm of the teachers, and presenting his finished work,” added the parent.

The program runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuition is $285 with a discount for families that send more than one child. Registration is available online at the HVWP website: www.newpaltz.edu/hvwp. For further information, contact Jacqueline Denu at 845-257-2877. A limited number of scholarships are available.

The Hudson Valley Writing Project (HVWP) at the State University of New York at New Paltz is an award-winning professional development organization whose purpose is to improve the teaching of writing and to promote literacy development in all disciplines and at all levels of education, pre-kindergarten through college. Through its programming, HVWP develops leadership and research needed for teachers to help students become successful writers and learners. For more information, visit www.newpaltz.edu/hvwp.