workshop fellowship awards

Funded fellowships are available for all writers’ workshops

Fellowship Awards are available to those who wish to participate in our Writers’ Workshop Program, January 7 – 11, 2024 (we will open all scholarship applications in the spring). We aim to support the development of diverse new voices in American literature and provide opportunities to those who may not otherwise be able to attend.

Fellows receive full fee waivers ($675 value) to the workshop of their choice, as well as financial assistance to offset lodging costs, as needed, for four nights.

Our Workshop Program runs from Sunday, January 7 – Thursday, January 11. A Welcome Dinner (for students and instructors) will be held at The Harry S. Truman Little White House on Monday evening. Classes begin Monday morning and take place each day through the final class on Thursday, ending at  12pm.

Spaces are reserved in each workshop for fellowship recipients. If you would like to apply for a Workshop Fellowship Award and a class is listed as full, please do not be deterred. Award recipients are responsible for their travel costs and most meals. Priority will be given to those who have not previously received KWLS support.

We strongly encourage you to apply before the priority deadline of July 15 to improve your chances of receiving an award.

Please review the checklist below. When you are ready to apply, complete the application form and upload the required documents via Submittable.

How to Apply for a Workshop Fellowship

Fellowship applicants must complete a single application via Submittable, which will include the materials required for the workshop(s) you hope to participate in. All required materials are listed below:

Fellowship Application Requirements:

a. Fellowship request letter: In approximately 750 words, please tell us about yourself as a reader and writer, how you heard about the Workshop Program, and why you would like to attend. Please tell us about your financial situation and whether or not you would be able to attend without our support.

b. Workshop required materials: Review the course description for the workshop(s) you wish to participate in and prepare any and all required materials. You will then upload these as part of the application. Please note: when applying for aid for a Mixed Levels workshop, we request a writing sample; please upload a sample that best reflects your work (up to five pages).

You may apply for up to two workshops, indicating a first choice and second choice. If you are applying for two workshops, you may use the same writing sample for both workshops if you wish.

c. References:
Please provide the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of two additional persons who are familiar with you and your work.

Priority Deadline

The priority deadline for Workshop Fellowship Awards will be July 15, 2023. After that date, we accept applications on a rolling basis and continue to offer fellowships as long as funding remains available. Applying by the priority deadline significantly improves your chance of receiving a fellowship.

Please note that applying for a fellowship to participate in one of our workshops is an “all or nothing” proposition. If your application is approved, you will be accepted into the workshop and you will receive a fellowship offer. However, if your application is denied, you will not have the opportunity to participate in the workshop, even if you decide you are able to pay the normal enrollment fee. If you can afford to attend the workshop without the aid of a funded fellowship, please apply using the standard application. Only two spots in each workshop are reserved for fellowship recipients, so this route is much more competitive.