The Ironwood Writers Studio Is a week-long on-campus summer residency program for high school students from Appalachia. The week gives the students the opportunity to explore different genres of writing and feel valued as new members of the Appalachian creative community. The young writers are introduced to established writers from the region who serve as mentors and steer them toward the Appalachian Writers Workshop, the world-renowned gathering of established and emerging writers at HSS each summer.
The Winter Burrow Literary and Arts Conference, brings the Appalachian creatives young and old back to HSS for community and mentoring during the winter months.
The Visiting Writers Residency program sends published authors from the region into area high schools to identify students with an interest in creative writing and encourage them to attend the Ironwood Writers Studio.
Financial Aid is available covering tuition and transportation for interested students who otherwise would not be able to attend the Ironwood retreat.
Will Anderson, Executive Director of the Hindman Settlement School wrote:
“Since its inception, the James Baker Hall Foundation has been a vital partner in advancing our literary programs, working closely with us to identify needs and invest meaningfully in our mission. Their generous support has allowed us to significantly expand opportunities for young writers across Eastern Kentucky, both through in-school programs and our Ironwood Writers’ Workshop. Their dedication to sustaining and growing the literary arts in our region makes them not only a valued partner, but a catalyst for lasting change.”
