Portfolio Year is a one-year immersion in writing: six writers, one mentor, and a shared commitment to getting somewhere. The program is highly customizable—you define the destination. Build a collection of stories, essays, chapters, screenplays, poems, or any combination that serves your ambitions. Some writers assemble a package aimed at attracting agents or editors, grants, contests, or fellowships. Others build toward an MFA application or Lighthouse's own Book Project. The only limits are your imagination and your follow-through.
Beginning writers, experienced writers, blocked writers, writers already publishing—this program was built just for you.
Applications for this year close on July 1, so get yours in today!
Program Benefits
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Accountability: Meet with a mentor and a cohort of six other writers who will cheer you on while also challenging you to achieve your personal and literary goals.
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Community: Become a part of the wider Lighthouse community of writers through workshops, topic-specific weekend Fests, and membership benefits like free access to community meetups and the monthly Friday 500 writing challenge.
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Education: Get credits to Lighthouse workshops to expand your craft with access to our expert faculty, visiting authors and keynote speakers, and meeting with an agent or editor at our annual conference Lit Fest.
Hear from Alumni
“Being a Portfolio Year member is more than just craft classes, workshops, or having your work reviewed by a mentor. It’s about becoming part of a community of writers.” –Deanna Byck, 2026 Portfolio Year Grad
Experience the breadth of talent and knowledge from current and past participants of Portfolio Year in these accounts on their experiences with craft sessions, events, and more.
Mentors
“There are so many things I love about working with the Portfolio Year. I get to see my mentees grow in skill and confidence over a full year, and I get to see them develop a real, honest relationship with their projects. I get to watch the bloom of first love.” -Dino Enrique Piacentini, Mentor
“It is from my mentees--who assert the necessity of storytelling in uncertain times, who build deep and enduring commitments to their writing within the confines of 9-5s and caregiving and the other obligations of ordinary life, and who support one another compassionately and relentlessly in community--that I've learned the most about what it means to really be a writer." -Natalie Hodges, mentor
Lighthouse is proud to have an ever-expanding roster of motivated mentors who love seeing their mentees succeed. Current mentors include: Erika Krouse, William Henderson, Dino Enrique Piacentini, Jenny Shank, Natalie Hodges, Suzi Q. Smith, and Amanda Rea.
Applications
Applications opened on April 1 and close July 1. Please include:
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A writing sample, which should reflect some of your best work and the general type of writing you’ll be doing throughout the year.
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The application will ask you if you have mentor preferences, group focus preferences, or predetermined goals for the year.
Tuition
Tuition is $7,250/year or $604/month
Payment plans are also available with no additional interest.
Portfolio Plus
Are you hoping to get more out of your Portfolio Year? Learn about additional support with Portfolio Plus.