Apply to join a small cohort of students in an advanced poetry workshop with acclaimed poet Layli Long Soldier, meeting four Tuesdays, March 3 through 24, 6:30–8:30 p.m. ET via Zoom. Accepted students will workshop their poetry, receiving feedback and offering critique in a small group setting. Most successful applicants will have some prior experience studying poetry and will have published one or more poems in an online or print literary journal. The cost for non-members to enroll is $395. Members take 10% off.
How to Apply
Manuscripts of poetry, five pages in length, will be accepted via Submittable. If sending multiple poems, each new poem should begin on a new page. Applicants will include a short biographical statement. Accepted students should plan to share works in progress, with the option to workshop the poetry they've applied with.
Students will be notified of their acceptance on February 20th. Accepted students will be asked to enroll promptly or decline their offer so that a spot can be opened for a waitlisted student.
Scholarships
Two scholarships will be awarded. To be considered for a scholarship, check the appropriate box in Submittable and include a short Statement of Need in your application. Students seeking aid will not be considered for unfunded spots, and scholarship decisions cannot be appealed.
Where: Poetry Society of America, 119 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
When: June 22 to June 27, 2026
The Summer Fellowship, offered free of charge, provides an opportunity for twelve emerging poets to participate in a week-long, intensive workshop led by Lynn Melnick at the Poetry Society of America’s headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. This Fellowship is open to all poets 18 years of age or older writing primarily in English.
Workshop sessions will be supplemented by class visits from poets and editors of New York–based literary magazines, as well as optional field trips.
Fellows will also have daily access to the Poetry Society of America’s library, office, and back garden to read, write, and convene. The fellowship will conclude with a garden party at the Poetry Society of America with readings, snacks, and drinks.
How to apply:
- Applications will be accepted via Submittable.
- Applications consist of a short manuscript of poems (10 pages of poetry) and a cover letter (1 page).
- Accepted students will be notified by April 1.
Your application should include:
- A formal cover letter (one page) addressed to the workshop leader summarizing your background, accomplishments, and reason(s) for applying to the Fellowship.
- Up to ten pages of original poetry. You must be the sole author of the work you submit. Work made with the assistance of AI or AI tools may not be submitted. You may apply with poems that have been previously published or are forthcoming in journals or chapbooks (please indicate where published poems have appeared). If you are submitting multiple poems, each poem should begin on a new page.
About the instructor:
Lynn Melnick is the author of three poetry collections, including, most recently, Refusenik, winner of the Julie Suk award, and a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award. She is also the author of the memoir, I've Had to Think Up a Way to Survive: On Trauma, Persistence, and Dolly Parton, most recently out in paperback with Spiegel & Grau. Her poems have appeared in The New Yorker, Poetry, American Poetry Review, New Republic, and A Public Space. She teaches at Princeton University and Columbia University, and lives in Brooklyn with her family. You can find her online at www.lynnmelnick.com.
FAQ
Q: I am a published poet. Am I eligible to apply?
A: Poets who have published no more than one full-length collection of poetry are eligible to apply.
Q: I have not formally studied poetry. Am I eligible to apply?
A: Yes. This fellowship opportunity is open to all writers regardless of prior educational experiences.
Q: I am a student. Am I eligible?
A: Current undergraduates and MFA students are welcome to apply. Poets must be 18 years or older to participate.
Q: I submitted a ten-page manuscript of poems to a Poetry Society of America Award. May I submit the same manuscript for my Fellowship application?
A: Yes.
Q: Is there a cost to attend?
A: No, this is a supported (free) Fellowship opportunity.
Q: Is there additional funding for travel, room, and board?
A: No, the Poetry Society is unable to provide support for these and other expenses Fellows may incur.
Q: May I join the cohort remotely?
A: No, this is an in-person learning opportunity located at the Poetry Society of America’s headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. There is no option to join the cohort remotely.
Q: Can I apply to join if I have received an award or Fellowship from the Poetry Society in the past?
A: Yes, past award winners, Chapbook Fellows, et al. are welcome to apply.
Q: Is there a cost to apply?
A: The cost for non-members to apply is $8. Poetry Society Members may apply free of charge.