Celia Teitelbaum-Zwerdling
Endowed Scholarship

 “I have a deep interest in writing. I’ve been writing…since second grade.” -Celia, 1995

Endowed by the family and friends of Celia Teitelbaum-Zwerdling (1995-1997), this scholarship prioritizes first-time applicants, making it possible for one or more young writers to attend who want to take that first step and need support to do it. Celia was a talented and devoted young writer who, over the course of three years’ attendance, became a valued member of the Workshop community. Her abiding interest in writing, along with her presence, are gratefully sustained through this annual award.

India Mara Stanley Endowed Scholarship

“YWW was one of the most Glorious experiences of my life.”  -India, 1988

Through this endowed scholarship, the parents of India Mara Stanley (1987, 1988) memorialize their daughter, a program alumna and later a vital residential staff member (1991), and the influence that the Workshop experience had on her life as a writer. India’s passion for poetry only deepened as she worked faithfully to honor it well into her adult life. By supporting deserving young writers with need whose work reflects both practice and promise, this fund will sustain India’s enduring commitment.  

The Young Black Writer Scholarship

The Young Black Writer Scholarship was created by a program alumna in response to the 2020 George Floyd incident that led her to consider what she could do to “elevate Black voices.” Proposing it to her network of professionals as “a way to make an appreciable difference in someone’s life,” as Young Writers had in her life, she told them, “I’d like to pass that along.” This scholarship funds a promising Black teen writer who needs support to attend.

Parent Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund

Parents repeatedly testify to the impact of Young Writers: Thank you for hosting a remarkable summer session. My daughter participated…and it was truly life-altering for her. She discovered things about herself and her abilities that parents, teachers, and friends could never have imparted. - A.C., Alumni Parent. Every summer, parents step up to “pay it forward” and, as a result, their scholarship reached an endowment level that now grows each year, making “the Young Writers experience” possible for so many others.

Some scholarships are funded annually – and may, through added contributions, grow into endowments.

Greg Howard Memorial Scholarship

Created in memory of a long-time Young Writers songwriting instructor, this scholarship supports students interested in songwriting.

Fredi Davis Scholarship

This scholarship honors the late Fredi Davis, a long-time teacher at Burley Middle School in Charlottesville. Founded by her husband, John Davis, the scholarship supports one student from Charlottesville High School.

To give to one of these two annual scholarships, click “General Scholarship Fund” and use the “In Memory Of” field to designate which scholarship you are supporting, e.g., “Greg Howard.”