Scholarships and Financial Support for Authors Writing Children’s and Young Adult Literature

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 children and YA writers, especially those with underrepresented stories, develop their craft, connect with mentors, and bring vital new work into the world.

Apply For Support Today
 

Our Commitment to Financial Accessibility

Whale Rock Workshops was built on the belief that great stories deserve great support.


Financial accessibility is at the heart of how we work. We do this in several ways:

  • Early-bird pricing.

  • Sliding-scale workshops.

  • Scholarships to help underrepresented children’s and young adult stories.

  • Discounts for educators and Canadians struggling with the exchange rate.

  • Payment plans for any program.

 
 

What We Offer

We offer several ways to make participation more financially accessible:

  • Sliding Scale Options: Many of our classes include sliding-scale pricing or early-bird rates.

  • 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 underrepresented children’s and young adult 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 full scholarships are designed to primarily support children’s and young adult 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 level depends on our community fundraiser and the number of applicants.

  • Full scholarships are reserved for underrepresented children’s and young adult authors and stories who demonstrate financial need.

  • Partial scholarships are available for writers with demonstrated need but who can contribute toward tuition.

Scholarship funds are available across all curriculum-based programs, including mentorships and multi-week workshops 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. Please include context for your application, such as financial need, caregiving responsibilities, or extenuating circumstances.

Our 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 apply concurrently and email your pages to submissions@whalerockworkshops.com after submitting your form. Please note, you will only be eligible for a scholarship or aid if you are accepted into the workshop based on your writing sample.

We will ask clarifying questions such as:

  • Do you make under $65,000 a year as a single person or does your combined household (two adults) earn under $100,000 per year?

  • Are you receiving government or humanitarian assistance (healthcare, housing, or food support)?

  • Are you caring for an incapacitated family member or facing recent hardship?

Applications are reviewed by the Whale Rock team and advisory board. We’ll respond as soon as possible and always before the start of your requested program.

Apply for A Scholarship or Discount
 
 

Staying Connected

Once you’ve received a scholarship, we’ll keep you in the loop about open class spots, community events, and future scholarships.

Better yet, sign up for our newsletter. You’ll be the first to hear about new workshops and early-bird opportunities.

 
 

FAQ: Scholarships and Financial Aid for Children’s and YA Writers

 

  • Maybe. It depends on the kind of funding you seek. We ask a few short questions in the application to help us understand your circumstances, but we may not require tax forms.

  • No. You won’t be penalized for applying for financial support. However, scholarships are limited, 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 may be eligible for other scholarships.

  • Yes. International writers, especially Canadians, are welcome to apply. When possible, we offer currency-adjusted pricing.

  • Yes. Returning scholarship recipients are welcome to reapply. 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.

  • You may use a total or partial scholarship for any of our programs that are curriculum-based.

 

Scholarships and Financial Aid Form

This 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 by our 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, please email your pages to submissions@whalerockworkshops.com after submitting this form.