A common idea about writing is that it is a solitary art, that the writer exists in a space alone and writes. Here at Adroit, we’d like to shatter that misconception. We believe a strong artistic community is vital to the growth of writing, and so we nurture one here: The Adroit Journal’s Annual Summer Mentorship Program.
The idea of a mentorship predates us, but the application is entirely contemporary. High school writers are paired with experienced writers and interact through a technological platform, building a lasting partnership and a close group of emerging and established writers.
The application process is competitive, as there are only so many available spaces. Here’s what previous mentees have said about the program:
“Having seen the mentorship program from both sides, as both mentee and mentor, I can honestly say it’s a profoundly beautiful and affirming experience for both parties. Not only did the program improve the quality of my writing, but also it introduced me to an incredible community of writers that has been a critical support network as I and my writing have grown.”
–Oriana Tang, Mentee ’14 and Mentor ’15
United States Presidential Scholar in the Arts (Poetry & Short Story)
“The Adroit Journal’s mentorship was incredible! The mentorship really helped me find a steady poetic voice and learn how to intensively edit poems, and was generally an amazing experience. I also made some lasting friendships with other mentees and mentors (one of the other mentees, Aidan Forster and I, went on to create an online community for young LGBT+ writers once the mentorship ended). The mentorship helped me find a writing community for the first time. I would strongly recommend this mentorship to anyone who is trying to pursue writing, better their work, or surround themselves with incredible writers. Adroit, never mind its network of emerging and established writers, never ceases to astound me.”
–Brynne Rebele-Henry, Mentee ’15
Author, Fleshgraphs (Nightboat Books, forthcoming)
“The Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced. There, I found a community of young writers who were interested in engaging with poetry in an exciting way and in growing as people and writers. The mentorship helped me find/develop my poetic voice, explore my poetry and stretch the limits of what poetry could be for me, and make lasting friendships with like-minded artists (I created an online community for high-school and college age LGBT+ writers after the mentorship with one of my fellow poetry mentees, Brynne Rebele-Henry). I recommend the mentorship to anyone who wants to strengthen their understanding of their own work and build long-lasting, wonderful friendships with other young writers. 10 out of 10, Adroit.”
-Aidan Forster, Mentee ’15
National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Medalist
Click here to visit the Summer Mentorship Program.
Click here to access the Summer Mentorship Information Booklet (PDF).
*Apply by April 1st for preference.
