The Poet in U Scholarship 2026

The Poet in U Scholarship

CALLING ALL CREATIVE WRITERS and POETS 

• Are U a writer?
• Do U live in NYC or Long Island?
• Are U currently in grades 4–12?

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts is kicking off The Poet in U Scholarship search — and we want U to apply!

The Poet in U Scholarship, back for a second year, is a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and voice. Show us your unique voice that exists on and off the page, and you could be selected to receive a full 4-week scholarship including busing (valued at up $6,300) to Usdan for the Summer 2026 season. 

Along with the official title and a scholarship award, The Poet in U gets both high-level performance and learning opportunities from the creative writing teaching artist faculty.

We welcome submissions of all forms of creative writing. Each submission should be the original work of an individual artist and must not infringe upon the copyrights, trademarks, rights of privacy, publicity, or other intellectual property or other rights of any person. No collaborative work will be accepted.

Rules & Eligibility

Who is eligible to submit for The Poet in U Scholarship?

• Anyone currently in grades 4-12 living in the New York City and Long Island areas for Summer 2026. Current and new Usdan students are welcome to apply! 

When and how can poets apply?

Eligible poets can apply beginning February 28, 2026. Submit the following form.

• Contact information 
• A portfolio of between 2-3 pages of any form of writing in a PDF or Google/Word Doc
• Answer in a brief paragraph: Why would you like to attend Usdan? What would you like to do with what you learn here?

What does the The Poet in U Inaugural Laureate win?

Pre-season and in-season perks include:

• Receive a 4-week scholarship to Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts valued at up $6,300 to attend Usdan from this summer as a Major in Creative Writing along with any Creative Writing Minor during either our 4A or 4B Session. Bus transportation is included in the full scholarship.
• The opportunity to join other selected finalists at Usdan for a live reading and celebration on Sunday, May 17, 2026
• Additional opportunities to give readings of their work throughout the year, including at a Usdan Festival during the Summer 2026 season
• A Usdan Creative Writing Department T-shirt & Anthology 

What else should I know about this contest?

• 10-12 total applicants will be selected as finalists for the scholarship and will be invited to the live reading and celebration on Sunday, May 17. 
• 2 total winners will be selected one from our Junior Division (grades 4-6) and Senior Division (grades 6-12)