The MIT Writing and Communication Center invites graduate students and postdocs to apply to its NEW Public Writing Certificate Program.
Through group instruction, collaborative activities, and weekly assignments supported by individual coaching, participants will move from initial concepts to polished pieces ready for submission to public-facing platforms.
Whether you are passionate about making your research accessible or exploring pathways beyond academia, this program offers the professional guidance and practical tools needed to become an effective public scholar.
Participant Requirements for Successful Completion
Application to the program:
MIT graduate students and postdocs from all schools and disciplines are welcome to apply.
Step 1: Complete a short application form by Thursday, February 12th
Includes a 250-word writing task: “Which aspect of your research do you think matters to public conversations, and why are you motivated to share your research with the public?”
We will accept 25 students/ scholars per cohort, selected based on their application information and readiness to commit to this program.
Step 2: Accepted applicants complete a pre-program self-assessment survey
During the Program:
Step 1: Attend four in-person workshops (mandatory for the certificate).
All workshops will take place on Thursdays, 4-5:30pm, in E17-136
- Session 1: Find Your Audience, Thurs., February 19th, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Session 2: Choose Your Tools, Thurs., February 26th, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Session 3: Create Flow, Thurs., March 5th, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Session 4: Explain It Like a Pro, Thurs., March 12th, 4-5:30 p.m.
Step 2: Complete three post-workshop tasks (required)
Tasks and final deliverable assessment criteria will be on the program Canvas site
Step 3: Attend three WCC consultations between each workshop session (required)
Consultations can be with any member of the WCC team (M-F, 9-5pm)
Step 4: Submit final deliverables:
- 1) a 750-1000 word piece of written public scholarship on some aspect of your research; and
- 2) an end-of-program self-assessment with questions on the program for feedback.
Post-Program
Final projects will be evaluated and normed according to a rubric by two readers.
All participants who pass this evaluation receive a Certificate of Completion, and their final project is entered into our end-of-program writing competition. From all entries, three projects will be selected for the following cash prizes:
1st place — $500
2nd place — $300
3rd place — $200
All participants will be invited to a celebratory end-of-the-program lunch, where the three winners are announced and certificates are awarded.
Application deadline: February 12th
Program Dates: February 19th–March 12th
Final deliverables submission date: March 20th