The Highlights Foundation positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.
Storytellers Served Per Year
Programs per Year
Children Inspired by Our Storytellers Worldwide
Helping Storytellers Inspire Children Since 1985
The Highlights Foundation began in 1985, with the goal of improving the quality of books for children through craft workshops for writers and illustrators.
As the organization has evolved, so has its mission.
Today, the Highlights Foundation positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. We live this mission daily by supporting writers and artists across the globe who bring story to kids, with opportunities to hone their craft, learn more about navigating the publishing industry, and build community.
The very first Highlights Foundation program was a weeklong “summer camp” for children’s book writers and illustrators at the Chautauqua Institute in New York. Aspiring and established writers, mentors, and publishing industry professionals gathered for inspirational keynotes, mentorship sessions, and discussions on craft. The result was magical— and a community of authors and illustrators was born.
Those attendees (and others from subsequent workshops and programs) have gone on to write and illustrate countless stories that inspire kids today, including award-winning titles and groundbreaking projects. Some attendees are even on our faculty and staff now, supporting, inspiring, and mentoring the next generation of artists who will create books that help children understand themselves and the world around them.
Today, the Highlights Foundation hosts programs and retreats year-round both online and in person at our own rural retreat center near the Highlights editorial office in Honesdale, Pennsylvania on the traditional lands of the Lenape people. Learn more about the mission and history of Highlights for Children here.
The Highlights Foundation is a public, not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. We receive support from individuals, companies, and other organizations who believe in our mission. Our scholarship program serves those who may not be able to bear the costs of our programs.
We hope that you’ll join our community and help us fulfill our mission of inspiring children to become their best selves.
“The Highlights Foundation launched my writing career… I signed my first book contract shortly after [my first workshop], and within a year, I’d signed eight more contracts. The Highlights Foundation changed my life, and I’m forever thankful.”
– Linda Oatman High
Our History
1985
The first workshop of what would become the Highlights Foundation was held at the Chautauqua Institute.
2000
The first workshop was held at the location of our current campus, on the porch of the farmhouse built by the founders of Highlights for Children.
2000
Construction of our cabins started around 2000, and was completed in waves.
2011
Construction of the Barn at Boyds Mills (the main gathering place for the Highlights Foundation campus) was completed in 2011.
2012
We built our Lodge in 2012 to add additional capacity and meeting space to the Highlights Foundation campus.
2019
We renewed our mission, vision, and values.
2020
The Highlights Foundation begins a year-round schedule of online courses.
2021
The Highlights Foundation completed our shift to primary solar energy.
Today
The Highlights Foundation continues our mission to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves
