The Writer’s Studio celebrates 25 years with new scholarship
The Writer’s Studio creative writing program is celebrating its 25th anniversary this fall with a special gift. One deserving student will be selected to receive the new Writer’s Studio 25th Anniversary Dean’s Award.
“To mark 25 years of the Writer’s Studio at SFU, I’m excited that we are offering a full scholarship that will support a student who is keen to complete a planned writing project,” says Julia Denholm, dean of Lifelong Learning (Continuing Studies).
The Dean’s Award will cover full tuition for one student accepted into the yearlong mentorship program for 2026. Program director Andrew Chesham says he hopes the award will make all the difference for a writer facing financial barriers.
“We’re so happy to have a full scholarship for a student in the January intake of the Writer’s Studio,” says Chesham. “The Dean’s Award will help a writer move forward—and hopefully get across the finish line—of a manuscript that they feel compelled to write. Being able to offer this full scholarship in addition to our two partial awards, the Writing Mom’s scholarship and the Emerging Writer Scholarship, feels like a great way to celebrate 25 years of the Studio.”
The Writer’s Studio was founded in 2001 by author Betsy Warland, driven by her belief in the power of community and writers working together to support one another. Since then, more than 900 students have graduated from the program. Alumni include a number of accomplished writers and high-profile names, such as bestselling novelist Janie Chang and Governor General’s award-winning poet Arleen Paré. Through the program, many new writers have been able to see their work published for the first time, thanks to emerge, the annual student anthology.
“As the Writer’s Studio continues to build on many successful years,” says Denholm, “I look forward to reading amazing new works from our emerging writers.”
Applications are now open for the mentorship program that begins in January. Visit the Writer’s Studio website for details on how to apply and to learn more about available scholarships.