The Just Buffalo Writing Center Youth Fellowship offers 1-2 motivated young writer(s) the opportunity to develop their craft and explore professional avenues within the literary arts.
The selected fellow(s) will work with a mentor, be encouraged to develop their unique voice as a creative writer and thinker, and present a creative writing project to be completed over the course of the summer fellowship. The fellowship includes a $1,200 stipend.
The fellowship takes place during the months of July and August.
Applications: Applications for the 2023 JBWC Youth Fellowship will open March 2023.
Eligibility: Open to WNY-based youth (ages 15-18)
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: May 7, 2023
- Notification Date: The winning Fellow will be announced in June 2023
- Residency Period: July 2023–August 2023
Criteria for Eligibility
- Open to WNY-based youth (ages 15-18)
- All genres are welcome, including fiction, non-fiction, playwriting, or poetry
- The applicant should demonstrate active engagement as a writer
- Only one proposal may be submitted per person—joint applications or collaborations are not permitted
- There are no educational requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the fellowship?
The fellowship is open to Western New York youth between the ages of 15–18. You can apply using the form at the bottom of this page.
What constitutes a completed creative writing project?
The Fellow(s) is asked to complete and present a creative writing project, which can be written and performed in any genre. Examples of completed creative writing projects include a chapbook, album/EP, etc. The presentation of the work could come in the form of a virtual reading, a handmade zine or chapbook for distribution, submitting work for publication, a social media/website/blog project, guerilla-style in the community, or video/audio recording.
How is the winning Fellow(s) selected?
The writing sample is the most important component of the application. Application materials will be reviewed and voted on, which will produce a smaller pool for each round until the winning Fellow(s) has been selected.
When will the winner(s) of the fellowship be announced?
Applications will be reviewed in May and June, with the Fellow announced in early June 2023.
More Questions About the Fellowship?
Email your questions to jbwc@justbuffalo.org with “Fellowship Question” in your subject line.
Apply Now
Applications for the JBWC Youth Fellowship open March 2023. To apply, follow the directions below.
Just Buffalo Literary Center (JBLC) actively encourages proposals from artists of all races, religions, gender expressions, sexual orientations, and national origins. Applicants must be between the ages of 15-18 and live in Western New York.
Send an email to jbwc@justbuffalo.org with the subject line “JBWC Youth Fellowship Application.”
In the body of the email, include:
- Your full name (and pronouns)
- Your age
- Your phone number
- Your full address
- What school you are currently attending
- What grade you will be in next year
- Name of your reference (non-family member)
- Reference’s email address
As an attachment (Word Document or PDF, not to exceed 5MB or five pages), please include the following info:
- Your Fellowship Proposal (150-200 words): Describe the creative work to be undertaken during the fellowship.
- Writing Sample (up to 5 pages): Please supply a writing sample directly related to the proposed work.
- Please DO NOT include your name in the filename or anywhere in the document.
Good luck to all of our applicants!