PEN America Opens Applications for 2026 Emerging Voices Fellowship for Underrepresented Writers

NEW YORK, NY (January 4, 2026) — PEN America is calling for applications from early-career writers for its Emerging Voices Fellowship, a virtual five-month mentorship program aimed at individuals from communities traditionally underrepresented in publishing.

The application period opens January 1 and closes January 31, 2026.

SEE: PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship

The program targets early-career writers and is committed to bold storytelling and creative growth through a vibrant community of writers, mentors, and readers. It provides a virtual five-month immersive mentorship for emerging poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the publishing world, including Black writers, Indigenous persons, persons of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, writers with disabilities, and those living outside of urban centers.

Applicants are encouraged to apply this January for the competitive fellowship.

h/t NRCA

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.