Youth Poetry in Wisconsin
From being stamped into sidewalks in Appleton, Madison, Lake Mills, and more, to serving as a cornerstone of organizations like Woodland Pattern in Milwaukee, poetry is celebrated throughout Wisconsin. During Youth Arts Month this March, we are shining the light on youth poetry across the state.
Poetry Out Loud
2026 marks the 21st year of the Poetry Out loud program in Wisconsin.
Created by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, Poetry Out Loud (POL) is administered in the state of Wisconsin by the Wisconsin Arts Board (WAB). Dr. Penny Parsons is contracted by the WAB as the program's state coordinator. All Wisconsin high schools are eligible to participate. The Wisconsin champion will receive a $200 stipend plus an all-expenses-paid trip (along with an adult chaperone) to the National Finals. Their respective school's library will also receive $500 to purchase poetry materials. The State's runner-up will receive a $100 stipend and their school library will receive $200.
On Saturday, March 7, 2026 the Statewide Poetry Out Loud Contest will take place at Studio 4D, 4th floor, MYArts, 1055 East Mifflin Street, Madison. Doors open at 10:00 AM, Contest begins at 10:30 AM.
Poetry Out Loud’s State Finals celebrate high school students from all across Wisconsin. Students will present three memorized poems chosen from an anthology. These students have successfully competed in local classrooms, high schools, and their district meets, in order to make it to this State Finals competition. The POL state champion will compete at the POL national finals in Washington D.C. April 27-29, 2026.
Youth Poet Laureate Programs
Milwaukee Youth Poet Laureate (apply by March 29th)
What’s MYPL all about?
Open to Milwaukee County freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, the Milwaukee Youth Poet Laureate (MYPL) program is an exciting opportunity to represent our city’s youth voice. Each year, we select one poet laureate, but MYPL is more than a competition. It’s a supportive community where young poets connect, collaborate, and make a difference.
Application requirements
Submit 5 poems and a CV outlining extracurriculars, volunteer work, and academic honors. Want help? Reach out for guidance on creating, editing, and building a strong application. Submissions close March 29, 2026.
Madison Youth Poet Laureate (Applications open on April 1st and closes on April 30th)
What is the Madison Youth Poet Laureate Program?
The Madison Youth Poet Laureate program is a partnership between the City of Madison and the National Youth Poet Laureate program, which is an initiative of Urban Word. The Youth Poet Laureate program honors talented young poets and provides competitive opportunities for young people to showcase their literary art on the regional and national stage.
Application Requirements
Applications for the 2026-2027 Madison Youth Poet Laureate are open throughout National Poetry Month, beginning on April 1, 2026, and closing on April 30, 2026. To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 13 and 19 at the time of selection and must reside within the City of Madison.
I call to the youth for fresh voices and new light. Do not be afraid to let your rays spread across your community -- leaving its residents warm and full of hope for what’s to come.
Madison Youth Poet Laureate Justin Festge Russell
FY25 Creation and Presentation Grantee Woodland Pattern
Image from their 2025 Poetry Camp, where Campers gather to work on their poems with instructors Shana Williams and Sean Enfield, along with 2024 Milwaukee Youth Poet Laureate Aleena Ahmed. Photo taken by Alexa Nutile
This information was featured in the twenty-fourth edition of Creative Copy, a free service of the Wisconsin Arts Board.
Creative Copy is our bi-weekly newsletter distributing relevant information and important resources to artists and arts organizations in Wisconsin. If you think we missed something, or if you have a question, send an email to vivienne.timchenko@wisconsin.gov, and if you haven't yet, make sure to subscribe to the Wisconsin Arts News and Creative Copy!