2026 BIPOC Scholarships

Our fourth-annual BIPOC Scholarship will allow you to attend the 2026 Washington Writers Conference — the DC area’s premier publishing-focused event — for free! Five scholarships will be awarded.

Applicants must be 18 years or older, live in the DMV, and be available to attend the Rockville, MD, conference in person on May 1-2, 2026. Recipients will have access to all activities, including first pick at agent-pitch sessions, panels, lunch, and the keynote address. (Please note: Travel expenses and/or accommodations will NOT be provided.)

Applications will be reviewed by a small committee of judges, and recipients will be notified no later than March 1, 2026. Scholarships are non-transferable and have no monetary value.

Eligible applicants who are not awarded a scholarship will enjoy a reduced registration fee of $389 (which reflects a 25% student discount) and four agent-pitch sessions (as well as early access to selecting your agents).

To apply, fill out this form by January 15, 2026. Along with your name, address, phone number, and social media/website, please provide responses (250 words or fewer) to the following:

• Describe your creative-writing experience. What are you working on? Include any publications, awards, and/or relevant educational experiences.                  
• How will attending the 2026 Washington Writers Conference help you achieve your writing goals? Be specific.
• How does your writing reflect your identity?
• Optional: Attach a writing sample of up to five pages.

Questions? Contact [email protected].