Teaching Fellowship Program for Black Writers

The program aims to offer sustainable support to Black Writers and create a cohort of fellows who have direct access to GrubStreet resources, classes, and events. They also hope the fellows can influence GrubStreet’s pedagogy and cultural vision based on their experience and feedback.

Benefits

• Access to mentorship from GrubStreet’s Education Director and fellow instructors
• Free access to events and sessions during GrubStreet’s Manuscript Month and other industry events, with the additional option to lead a paid session at the GrubStreet events
• A space at GrubStreet’s new community space to work on personal writing projects
• 60 hours (or roughly 20 weeks) of free GrubStreet classes, which can be taken during or after the fellowship
• A two-year GrubStreet membership.

Funding Information

• $25,000 per fellow for the year ($20,000 artist grant and $5,000 or more in teaching compensation)
• Duration: The fellowship begins September 2nd, 2025 and runs through the end of August 2026.

Role and Responsibilities

• Participate in the development or revision of class curriculum and future course/event brainstorming
• Teaching one ten-week class
• Teaching one six-week class
• Teaching one week-long teen camp
• Teaching one six-hour seminar
• The option to teach more classes for additional payment
• Moderate or participate in a Boston Writers of Color’s event
• Meet with the Director of Faculty and Fellowships periodically to track progress
• Meet with new fellows at the end of your own fellowship year.

Eligibility Criteria

• This fellowship is open to writers who self-identify as Black, are 18 or older, are able to work with both adult and teen audiences, and have a passion for expansive pedagogy, curriculum development, and professional growth.
• Ideal candidates will have some publication and teaching experience. Preference will be given to those working on their first book or a larger project.
• MFAs, a long publishing record, or extensive teaching experience are not requirements to apply, though feel free to tell them if you have any of these things.

Application Requirements

• The Teaching Fellowship for Black Writers Application Form will require the following:
  • A personal statement (500 words max), which should include:
    • Your background as a writer and teacher
    • Your personal philosophy or approach to creative writing workshops
    • How this particular fellowship fits your interests and goals as a writer and educator
    • Your CV or resume
    • A writing sample (20 pages limit for prose; 12 pages for poetry; 25 pages for scripts; and 20 pages for other or fused genres) that best exemplifies your current trajectory as a writer
    • Two personal references (name, email, and phone number) who can speak to your experience and dedication to writing and teaching.

For more information, visit GrubStreet.