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About
The first MFA in the country to focus exclusively on writing for young readers, the Writing for Children & Young Adults program is a diverse and dynamic community of writers.
We get close with each other. We learn from each other. We support each other.
Alex Abraham
| WCYA '23
Program Work
Our award-winning students and faculty push boundaries, break new ground and further cultural conversation with their work. Prepare to be inspired.
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Residency
Experience VCFA’s low-residency model VCFA’s academic calendar is divided into two semesters per year: a summer and winter semester respectively. Each semester begins with a nine-day residency that provides a vibrant whirlwind of workshops, lectures, panels, discussions, and readings. Students, faculty, and visiting writers come together to connect and collaborate.
What is a Low-Residency MFA?
Mentorship & Individualized Study
Post-residency, students return home to embark on the semester’s faculty-guided independent study project, putting in at least 25 hours a week. Students stay in close contact with their advisors, who review their work monthly and provide individualized feedback.
Explore WCYA Residency
Virtual Information Sessions
Join us to learn more about our low residency MFA programs and the application process. Each session will cover: an overview of VCFA programs, low-residency model, the application process and more. Click here to learn more
VCFA INFORMATION SESSIONS
Thoughtful and engaging exchanges with my advisors and my peers were everything. Finding your community of writers who will support and inspire you is the most valuable gift.
Bonnie Pipkin
| 2014
VCFA Stories
Our students, alumnx and faculty inspire us every day with their exhibitions, publications, screenings, performances, and teaching, bringing the magic of VCFA out into the world. Discover the amazing work of our WCYA community.
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ALUMNX STORY: Nora Ericson, 2010 MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults
Nora Ericson (WCYA ’10) is a 2010 graduate of the VCFA MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults program and the author of the...
FACULTY STORY: Louise Hawes
In the summer of 2024, VCFA interviewed Louise Hawes, author, educator, and founding faculty member of the VCFA Writing for Children & Adults program. Hawes...
ALUMNX STORY: Julie Berry, 2008 MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults
Meet Julie Berry (WCYA ‘08), New York Times bestselling author and VCFA MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults alumnx. Berry is known for...
Laura Obuobi, 2021 MFA in WCYA
In the fall of 2022, we spoke with author and alumnx Laura Obuobi (WCYA ‘21) about her 2022 picture book publication Black Gold, her upcoming...
WCYA News + Events
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VCFA at AWP 2025
VCFA faculty, alumnx, and current students are set to attend the annual Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) Conference & Bookfair in Los Angeles,...
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Author Louise Hawes Named as the Next VCFA Katherine Paterson Chair
Author, educator, and founding faculty member of the VCFA Writing for Children & Adults program Louise Hawes has been announced as the next VCFA Katherine...
Program Blog
Check out WILD THINGS, the WCYA program’s blog, to hear directly from students, discover our award-winning faculty, and learn why you belong at VCFA.
Check out the blog
Katherine Paterson Chair
In 2018, VCFA established the Katherine Patterson Endowed Chair & Faculty Development Fund to support the WCYA program's greatest asset: its award-winning faculty
Meet the Chair
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