SANTA CRUZ Dickens Day of Writing

Wednesday, February 4, 2026. 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 8:00 am to 4:00 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: 

• mentoring workshop
• cash prizes and scholarship opportunities 
• discounted registration to the Dickens Universe (must be 18 years of age by July, 2026) 
• Authors of the top three essays will receive cash prizes. Any winners who are 18 years old by July 1, 2026 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 2026.  
  

Schedule

8:00-8:20 am: Registration for students, teachers, and mentors

8:20-9:30 am: Welcome address and student orientation

9:30-10:30 am: Interactive workshop and break out discussion groups for students and mentors

10:30-10:45 am: Break

10:45-12:30 pm: Writing retreat for students

10:45-12:30 pm: Workshop for mentors

12:30-1:15 pm: Lunch

1:15-2:00 pm: Small group tutoring session

2:00-2:30 pm: Exhibition tour (tentative)

2:30-2:40 pm: Thank you and farewell to mentors

2:30-4:00 pm: Essay revision

4:00-4:15 pm: Thank you and farewell to students and teachers 

*schedule subject to change

Download the 2026 Dickens Day of Writing flyer here.