Scholarships &
Financial Support for Writers
Because every voice deserves a chance to be heard.
At Whale Rock, we believe financial barriers should never stand in the way of authors growing their skills. Our community exists to help writers, especially those with underrepresented stories, develop their craft, connect with mentors, and bring vital new work into the world.
We’re deeply committed to accessibility at every level: access to faculty who teach and care deeply, access to programs that strengthen your craft and creative practice, and access to financial support when you need it.
Our Commitment to Access
Whale Rock Workshops was built on the belief that great stories deserve great support and that every writer should have access to expert mentorship and community, regardless of financial circumstance.
Accessibility is at the heart of how we work. We do this in several ways:
Early bird pricing to make planning ahead easier and more affordable.
Sliding-scale workshops to meet writers where they are financially.
Scholarships to help underrepresented writers and those experiencing financial hardship.
Payment plans for any program, so cost doesn’t stand in the way of participation.
We also believe in access to faculty, not just to programs. Many Whale Rock workshops have a small faculty to writer ratio so that writers have genuine time and connection with their instructors.
What We Offer
We offer several ways to make participation more accessible:
Sliding Scale Options: Many of our classes include sliding-scale pricing or early-bird rates. You’ll always see the full price and the early registration rate clearly listed on each program page.
Payment Plans: Pay for classes over time using secure payment plans, available directly through our registration system.
Scholarships: Each year, we set aside funds to support writers who would not otherwise be able to participate.
Educator & Librarian Discount: Teachers and librarians receive 10% off any class under $700. Simply share proof of employment and we’ll send you a discount code.
Canadian Writer Discount: Canadian writers receive a discount to help offset currency conversion rates. Email us for our current offerings.
Additional Support: If you’ve applied for a scholarship and a class still has open spaces, we may reach out with opportunities to join for free or at a reduced rate.
Who Our Scholarships Are For
Our scholarships are designed to primarily support writers whose voices or stories are underrepresented and who demonstrate financial need.
This might include, but is not limited to, writers who are:
Sharing stories rarely seen on bookshelves: cultural, religious, regional, or identity-based perspectives that expand how young readers see the world.
Members of historically marginalized or underrepresented communities.
Writers with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or caregiving responsibilities that impact financial access.
Educators, librarians, or nonprofit professionals working to uplift others.
Writers facing recent hardship, such as job loss, bereavement, displacement, or rebuilding after natural disasters.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to apply. We read every application with care and welcome your story.
Types of Support
Our scholarships range from partial to full tuition. Each year, funding levels depend on our community fundraiser and the number of applicants.
Full scholarships are reserved for underrepresented authors who could not otherwise participate.
Partial scholarships are available for writers with demonstrated need who can contribute toward tuition but need support to make participation possible.
Scholarship funds are available across all programs, including mentorships, multi-week workshops, and retreats, until our annual fund runs out.
How to Apply for a Scholarship
To apply for scholarship support:
Complete our Scholarship Application Form (linked below).
Select whether you’re applying for a full or partial scholarship.
Tell us about your current project and why you’re seeking support.
You’re welcome to include context such as financial need, caregiving responsibilities, or extenuating circumstances.
We may ask clarifying questions such as:
Do you or your household earn under $150,000 per year?
Are you receiving government or humanitarian assistance (healthcare, housing, or food support)?
Are you caring for a family member or facing recent hardship?
Applications are reviewed by the Whale Rock team and a small advisory board. We’ll respond as soon as possible and always before the start of your requested program.
A Note About Limited Funds
We do our best to help as many writers as possible, but our scholarship fund is limited.
We encourage you to apply early, especially for mentorships and multi-week workshops, and to consider contributing to our annual Whale Rock Fundraiser, which sustains these opportunities for others.
What Happens Next
Once your form is submitted, our small team reviews every application individually.
You’ll hear from us soon and always before the class begins to let you know the next steps.
If you don’t hear from us, please reach out.
Scholarship recipients are added to our community newsletter so you can stay informed about new classes, open spots, and future opportunities.