Spring 2026
Independent Study
Create your own experience with our Independent Study Journey. Meet as a pair, attend events of interest, and use coursework to help you plan creative projects and meet your goals.
Ready to Apply?
Learn more below or get started now. If you do not already have a Girls Write Now Portal account, you will be asked to create one in order to apply.
Apply Now
Ready to Apply?
Learn more below or get started now. If you do not already have a Girls Write Now Portal account, you will be asked to create one in order to apply.
Apply Now- JOURNEY REQUIREMENTS
- Cycle(s) One Cycle Journey
- Time Commitment 3h/month
- Mentoring Have a minimum of two one-hour pair sessions per month.
- Journey Project Submit 1 piece to your author page. Be prepared to present the work you’ve developed over the course of the cycle!
Learning Objectives
Independent Study Community Experiences
Mentees and mentors in this Journey must attend at least one Girls Write Now Community Experience each month. You can find upcoming events in your portal under the “Events” section.
Registration for Community Studios opens on the first day of each month throughout the cycle.
Required Independent Study Final Showcase:
May 31, 2026— 2-4pm ET
Independent Study Courses
Independent Study
This self-paced Independent Study course will provide resources and tips for those working on creative project independently. You’ll learn how to create a focused study environment, set SMART goals, and use scheduling systems like calendars and reminders. Topics include time management, tracking progress, managing distractions, and overcoming procrastination. Students will also develop essential academic skills such as critical reading, annotation, and note-taking, supported by strategies for reflection and visualization.
Independent Study Mentoring
Mentees and mentors in this Journey will be matched for one Cycle. Pairs will meet for at least two hour-long sessions each month. This Journey is open to both mentor/mentee pairs and peer-to-peer pairs.
Journey Teaching Artist
Journeys in the Explore 360 Adventure focus on introducing a variety of genres, topics, and ideas to participants who want to try a little bit of everything. It is recommended for any mentee or mentor who wants to get a taste of all that Girls Write Now has to offer!
Independent Study is a Journey in the Explore 360 Adventure.
Explore All Journeys
Explore All Journeys
Explore Tour (Spring 2026)
Explore all of the creative and storytelling pathways Girls Write Now has to offer through a multimedia, multi-genre experience that includes mini courses, exploratory studios, and one-on-one pair sessions. Discover new skills and build on existing ones with offerings that range from fiction to journalism to publishing, and dive into formats like video, podcasting, visual storytelling, and more. Ideal for Mentees who enjoy working across multiple genres and media or are focused on specific projects, this Journey offers the flexibility to tailor your learning experience to your individual needs.
Independent Study (Spring 2026)
Create your own experience with our Independent Study Journey. Meet as a pair, attend events of interest, and use coursework to help you plan creative projects and meet your goals.
Journalism: The Art of Profiles (Spring 2026)
Every person has a story to tell, and profile writing is an invitation to share those stories with the world. In this journey, we’ll explore how to establish trust and rapport with your subjects, conduct interviews with mutual respect, and present a friendly, welcoming demeanor while maintaining your role as the writer—not a friend or confidante. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on extracting details for the reader, this course emphasizes a holistic perspective that honors the reader, the writer, and the subject. Participants will practice structuring interviews, managing the flow of conversation, knowing when to push back against the profile subject, and using their own experiences as a guide to create compelling, thoughtful profiles.
Poetry Rising: Voices from Latin America (Spring 2026)
Explore the voices representing Latin America in their poetry! Mentees will read poems that reflect on love, identity, and social change. Alongside reading, mentees will write their own poems inspired by these works, experimenting with rhythm, imagery, and voice. Through discussion and creative practice, you’ll discover how poetry can express both personal and collective experience!
Writing Our Way to Wellness (Spring 2026)
This Journey invites mentees to explore the intersection of storytelling and wellness through the art of podcasting. Participants will engage in intergenerational, holistic conversations that honor both the craft of writing and the power of human connection. They will explore what wellness means to them personally and as a practice, and learn to structure episodes that educate, inspire, and resonate. Mentees will also build practical skills in shaping and producing a polished podcast episode. By the end of this two-cycle journey, each mentee will have a published episode on the Writing Our Way to Wellness podcast streaming on all platforms!
Perspectives on Editorial (Spring 2026)
Embrace editing as an essential aspect of writing in this journey that leads you through lessons and experiences that explore everything from line edits and grammar to the psychology of revision. Great for individuals who are interested in honing their skills for editing their own creative work (and the work of others!)
The Power of Punchlines: Stand-Up Comedy for Change (Spring 2026)
In this Journey, participants will explore the power of comedy as a tool for social change, with a special focus on stand-up comedy. From climate change and economic inequality to LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and mental health, you’ll learn how to write and perform material that blends humor with meaningful social critique. Through workshops and performance coaching, you’ll develop your own comedic voice. Discover how satire and personal storytelling can raise awareness, inspire dialogue, and challenge the status quo— all while keeping your audience laughing. By the end of the journey, you’ll have developed a 5 -10-minute stand-up routine that not only entertains but sparks meaningful conversations about the world around us. Comedy is a form of intelligence, whether you’re new to comedy or a seasoned performer, this journey will help you use humor as a force for social impact.
Teach GWN (Spring 2026)
In this Journey, Members of the GWN community will develop curriculum and facilitate a community studio for one or more cycles within GWN’s Collaboratory structure. Each Cycle involves facilitating three community studios, one per month. Participants will gain valuable skills in leadership, teaching, and community building. Mentees and Mentors can facilitate a community studio either solo (if they are 18 or older) or together as a pair.
Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion (Spring 2026)
In this one-Cycle journey, Mentees will develop essential skills in public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking. Through engaging activities and interactive discussions, participants will learn to craft persuasive speeches, construct well-reasoned arguments, and present their ideas with confidence. They will explore techniques for effective communication, refine their ability to think critically under pressure, and practice responding to diverse perspectives in a structured setting.
STARS: Crafting White Papers for Change (Spring 2026)
In this Journey, Fellows from STARS CGI partner organizations engage in a youth-led writing and advocacy experience that empowers them to turn their experiences into policy-focused narratives. Through in-person and virtual sessions, participants learn to research, write, and collaborate on a White Paper that amplifies youth voices across New York City and advocates for increased support, funding, and policy improvements for youth programs. The Journey builds communication, leadership, and advocacy skills, culminating in a youth-authored White Paper presented to a City Council Member as a public call to action.
