The Seminar for Younger Poets program, begun in 1985, is the Stadler Center's trademark, for which it is nationally renowned. Held for four weeks during June, the primary purpose of the Seminar is to give young poets an extended opportunity to write and to be guided by established poets. The program balances private time for writing, disciplined learning and cameraderie among the fellows. Workshops are conducted by the staff, the staff works with fellows in tutorials, poetry readings by the staff and by fellows are given and discussions of poetry writing are held. In 1996, Jack Wheatcroft, as executor of the Mildred Martin Estate, established an endowment that now funds the program. In 1997, a generous gift from former Bucknell President Gary Sojka and his wife, funded four Bucknell students to attend the Seminar. Traditionally applicants from undergraduate institutions compete for ten fellowships.