Who is eligible to apply to be the New York State Youth Poet Laureate?

• Anyone age 13-19 (at the time of submission) living in New York State

When and how can poets apply?

• Eligible poets can apply beginning February 2025. A link will be available on this page to submit a portfolio online.
• Submission Materials include:
  • Contact information
  • A portfolio of 3 poems in a PDF or Word Doc
  • Resume/curriculum vitae (CV) information. In order to collect the CV/resume information, there are text fields for contestants to “celebrate themselves” and enter information regarding school and extracurricular participation, community and civic engagement, awards and accolades, and more. Uploading a CV or resume document is no longer required.
  • There are also additional survey questions that help Urban Word develop a better understanding of the young people they serve. These questions will not affect applicant scores.

What can I do now to prepare for the application?

• Work on writing, revising, and polishing so you will have 3 finished poems by the next application period.
• Think about the ways you are engaged in your community: Do you volunteer? Do you lead a club at your school? Are you civically engaged in some way? These will be good things to list on your CV. 

What does the New York State Youth Poet Laureate win?

• During the summer of 2025, the NYS Youth Poet Laureate will join other Youth Poets Laureate in a series of activities offered by Urban Word, including:
  • Online Youth Poet Laureate summer camp, including writing workshops with celebrated poets and activism training
  • Regional readings with other Youth Poets Laureate

• In addition, the NYS Youth Poet Laureate will receive:
  • $500 cash prize and a subscription to Poets & Writers Magazine
  • Eligibility to apply to be the National Youth Poet Laureate in Fall 2024 and each year until they turn 19
  • The opportunity to give readings of their work once or more throughout the year, including at the New York State Poetry Out Loud final event, March 2026.

Does the New York State Youth Poet Laureate have any responsibilities?

• The Laureate will be asked to read at the NYC Poetry Out Loud final event (March 2026) and at the announcement of the 2026 NYS Youth Poet Laureate, April 2026.  If travel is required, the expenses will be covered by Teachers & Writers Collaborative.
• The Laureate may be asked to read at other events hosted by Teachers & Writers Collaborative. Participation in these is optional, but they will be great opportunities for the Laureate to engage with the literary arts community.