"We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting new program and are grateful to the Tow Foundation for support that will be life changing for Emily," Christopher Burney, associate artistic director and curator of Second Stage Theatre Uptown, said in a statement. "We are delighted to have the opportunity to work in-depth with an artist of such high caliber through this new residency program. Emily's writing captures the dynamic rhythms of people living on the edge; her stories are deeply compassionate, surprising and universal in her characters' struggles. We are confident that audiences will be as engaged with and moved by her writing as we are."

Schwend's writing credits include South of Settling, Halfway, Route One Off, Splinters, Take Me Back and Carthage.

As part of this residency program, Second Stage Theatre will host a reading series showcasing all of her completed plays, as well as a minimum of three readings to share and develop her works-in-progress. The residency will culminate in a production of her new play at Second Stage Theatre Uptown in the summer of 2015.

The Tow Foundation, established in 1988 by Leonard and Claire Tow, "funds projects and collaborative ventures in fields where there are opportunities for breakthroughs, reform and benefits for underserved populations. Investments focus on the support of innovative programs in the areas of juvenile justice reform, groundbreaking medical research, cultural institutions, and higher education."

Visit 2ST.com or towfoundation.org for more information.