Summer 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.
Spring 2026 Enrollment Is Now Open!
Spring 2026 enrollment is currently open. Enroll in a Journey today.
You may also sign up for Mentorship on Demand and/or membership at any time.
Learning Objectives
Independent Study Community Experiences
Please attend at least one Girls Write Now Community Experience each month. You can find upcoming events in your portal under the “Events” section.
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.
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
Civil Discourse: Connection & Persuasion (Summer 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.
Cultural Currents: Exploring NYC and Beyond (Summer 2026)
This Journey invites participants to dive into the rich cultural arts scene of NYC and other vibrant cities through theater, dance, and visual art. Experience diverse artistic venues and gain insight into how culture shapes creative expression. Engage with different art forms to deepen your appreciation and inspire your own storytelling and creativity.
College Prep: Crafting Your Personal Statement (Summer 2026)
This Journey guides you through the process of writing a compelling personal statement for college applications. You’ll learn how to articulate your unique experiences, values, and goals in a clear and authentic way. Through workshops, drafts, and personalized feedback, you’ll build confidence and skills to present your best self to admissions committees.
Bridging Voices: Storytelling Across Generations (Summer 2026)
This Journey explores the rich tradition of storytelling between generations, highlighting how stories connect past, present, and future. Participants will engage with personal and cultural narratives shared across age groups, learning to honor diverse perspectives. Through writing and creative expression, you’ll develop skills to preserve and share meaningful stories that build understanding and community.
Independent Study (Summer 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.
IV Steward: Cultivating Collective Power (Summer 2026)
Teach GWN (Summer 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.
Social Media & Marketing (Summer 2025)
This Journey is designed for mentees and mentors who want to understand the power of social media and how to use it effectively to grow an audience, promote their work, and build a personal or professional brand. From crafting engaging posts to creating a consistent online presence, this course covers the essential strategies and tools needed to thrive in the world of digital marketing.
Book Club: Summer Read (Summer 2025)
Book lovers, unite! Each cycle, we’ll close read three new books and discuss them at monthly fixed meetings. When you apply, you can recommend a book that might be chosen for the journey! We’ll focus, in particular, on reading as writers and taking note of the ways each author crafts their story.
College & MFA Preparation (Summer 2025)
Preparing an application for college or graduate school can be a daunting experience. Join us for a Journey that unpacks everything you need to know about finding college and graduate school programs, applying to school, preparing personal essays, and getting the most out of your college or graduate school experience.
