Poetry Out Loud Competition

Poetry Out Loud starts at the local level in a classroom, school, or an area organization. Students memorize and recite poems they select from the Poetry Out Loud anthology of classic and contemporary poems. Winners then may advance to a regional and/or state competition, and ultimately to the National Finals.

To register for the 2024-2025 program, schools and organizations should contact their state arts agency. Students from all types of high schools are welcome to participate, including public, private, parochial, independent, charter, and homeschool. Non-school organizations, such as after school clubs, libraries, or nonprofit organizations, may choose to run Poetry Out Loud as well. Students unable to participate at their school or a local organization should contact their state Poetry Out Loud coordinator to discuss other opportunities for inclusion in their state’s official competition.

The 2025 Poetry Out Loud National Finals will take place May 5-7, 2025, in Washington, DC. A total of $50,000 in awards and school or organizational stipends will be awarded, including $20,000 for the National Champion, and $10,000 and $5,000 for the second- and third-place finalists. The Poetry Foundation provides and administers all aspects of the monetary prizes awarded for Poetry Out Loud. The Poetry Out Loud National Finals are administered by Mid Atlantic Arts.