PSA Summer Fellowship 2026

Where: Poetry Society of America, 119 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
When: June 22 to June 27

Click here to apply (submissions open January 1, 2026)

Beginning January 1, 2026, poets are invited to apply to the Poetry Society of America’s inaugural Summer Fellowship session.

The Summer Fellowship, offered free of charge, provides an opportunity for twelve emerging poets to participate in a week-long, intensive writing workshop led by Lynn Melnick at the Poetry Society of America’s headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, from June 22 to June 27, 2026.

Daily workshop sessions will be supplemented by class visits from prominent poets and editors of New York–based literary magazines, as well as optional field trips. From roughly 11:30–5:00 p.m. for the duration of the Fellowship, Fellows can expect to be occupied with discussing the craft and profession of poetry in a group setting.

During the Fellowship period, Fellows will have 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.

Fellows will have the option to join a listserv to remain in contact with other Fellows during and after the workshop. 

About the Fellowship Lead

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.

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).
>> The application window is January 1 to February 15. Accepted students will be notified by April 1.
 
FAQ

Q: Is there a cost to attend?
A: No, this is a funded Fellowship opportunity—Fellows do not pay for instruction.

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.

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: I am a published poet. Am I eligible to apply?
A: Writers who have published no more than one full-length collection of poetry are welcome 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 experience.

Q: I am a student. Am I eligible?
A: Yes. Current undergraduates and MFA candidates are welcome to apply.

Q: Do I have to attend the workshop in person?
A: Yes, this is an in-person learning opportunity. There is no option to join the cohort remotely.

Q: Is the space accessible?
A: Yes, the Poetry Society's main entrance, classroom space, restroom, and backyard are wheelchair accessible.

Q: During what hours will the workshop take place?
A: Workshops will take place daily at the Poetry Society of America from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Class visits will take place from 3:30–4:30 p.m.

Q: I submitted a manuscript to the Poetry Society’s Annual Awards. May I submit some or all of the same poems for my Fellowship application?
A: Yes.

Q: I have received an award or Fellowship from the Poetry Society in the past. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, past Annual Award winners, Chapbook Fellows, et al. are welcome to apply.