Scholarships and Financial Support for Writers

 Because every voice deserves a chance to be heard.

Mentor providing one-on-one feedback during a Whale Rock writing mentorship program.

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.

Apply For Support Today
 

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.

We’re proud to support teachers, librarians, and international writers through these discounts and scholarship options. This commitment also connects Whale Rock Workshops to national databases for continuing education opportunities for educators and library professionals.

 

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:

  1. Complete our Scholarship Application Form .

  2. Select whether you’re applying for a full or partial scholarship.

  3. Tell us about your current project and why you’re seeking support.

  4. You’re welcome to include context such as financial need, caregiving responsibilities, or extenuating circumstances.

This form helps us allocate scholarships and discounts fairly. You can apply for more than one type of support, including educator or Canadian discounts and flexible payment options. If you’re applying for a program that requires a writing sample (such as a mentorship or master-level class), please email your pages to info@whalerockworkshops.com after submitting your form.

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.

Apply for A Scholarship or Discount
 
 

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.

 

Staying Connected

Every scholarship recipient becomes part of the Whale Rock community.

Once you’ve received a scholarship, you’ll continue to hear from us about open class spots, community events, and future scholarships.

The best way to stay in the loop is to join our newsletter. You’ll be the first to hear about new workshops and early-bird opportunities.

 
 

FAQ: Scholarships and Financial Support for Writers

Below are answers to common questions about Whale Rock Workshops scholarships, financial aid, and accessibility.

This page covers how to apply for writing scholarships, who qualifies, and what types of financial support are available for writers in our community.

Whether you’re applying for a mentorship, multi-week class, or retreat, we want the process to feel clear, supportive, and transparent.

 

  • No. We ask a few short questions in the application to help us understand your circumstances, but we do not require tax forms.

  • No. You won’t be penalized for applying for financial support. However, scholarships are limited and granted as funds allow, so applying early gives you the best chance of receiving aid.

  • Yes. Some of our advanced programs are application-based and require a writing sample for admission. You may qualify for financial support but still need to be accepted into the program by the instructor.

  • If a class fills before your application is reviewed, we’ll keep your application on file and reach out if a spot opens or a similar workshop becomes available.

  • Yes. You may apply for support for different programs, as long as funds are available.

  • Absolutely. Educators and librarians automatically receive a 10% discount, and they’re also eligible for scholarships if additional support is needed and funding is available.

  • Yes. International writers, especially Canadians, are welcome to apply. When possible, we offer currency-adjusted pricing and partial scholarships for eligible applicants.

  • Yes. If you’ve applied previously or received a scholarship in the past, you’re welcome to reapply for future opportunities.

  • Yes. Returning scholarship recipients are welcome to reapply and often receive priority when funds allow. We often prioritize new applicants for our highest-cost programs, such as the Short Novel Workshop or Mentorship Program, to ensure more writers have access. However, returning writers may still be eligible for partial scholarships for other classes.

  • You may use a total or partial scholarship for any of our programs that are curriculum-based. We only offer stipends and discounts for our retreats, as these are mostly self-directed events with little-to-no formal curriculum.

 

Whale Rock Financial Support and Scholarship Form

Thank you for your interest in Whale Rock Workshops. We believe every writer deserves access to great teachers and a supportive community, regardless of financial circumstance.

This short form helps us understand what kind of support you’re seeking and how we can help. It should take about five minutes to complete.

All responses are confidential and reviewed personally by our small team.

You may apply for more than one type of support in a single form. If the class or program you’re applying for requires a writing sample (such as a mentorship or master-level course), please email your pages to info@whalerockworkshops.com after submitting this form.