SANTA CRUZ Dickens Day of Writing

Friday, February 7, 2025. A day for High School Juniors and Seniors of Santa Cruz, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Monterey counties to cultivate their critical thinking and literacy skills, connecting Charles Dickens to social issues in our communities. The Day of Writing will take place at the Museum of Art and History in Downtown Santa Cruz from 8 am to 3:30 pm. Participating schools will need to provide transportation for students. We will validate parking for the Front and Soquel Parking Garage near the Museum of Art and History.

Additional Benefits and support for teachers and schools:

• honoraria to participating teachers
• discounted registration fee to the Dickens Universe

Additional Benefits for Students attending Santa Cruz Dickens Day of Writing: 

• individual mentorship 
• cash prizes and scholarship opportunities 
• discounted registration to the Dickens Universe (must be 18 years of age by July, 2025) 
• the chance to participate in a public speaking workshop with Santa Cruz Shakespeare
• Authors of the top three essays will receive cash prizes. Any winners who are 18 years old by July 1, 2025 will also be eligible for a scholarship to enroll in a 5-credit, intensive week-long college course at this summer’s Dickens Universe conference, taking place July 2025  
  

Schedule*

*tentative

8:00-8:30 am: Registration for students and teachers

8:30-9:30 am: Welcome address and student orientation

9:30-9:45 am: Break for students & registration for mentors

9:45-11:00 am: Writing retreat for students & writing workshop for mentors

11:00-11:15 am: Break

11:15-12:30 pm: Tutoring session with student/mentor small groups

12:30-1:30 pm: Lunch and photos of students/mentor small groups

1:30-1:45 pm: Thank you and farewell to mentors

1:45-3:15 pm: Students revise essays

3:15-3:30 pm: Thank you and farewell to students and teachers