For Students

Submissions for the 2020/21 Youth Poet Laureate will open next spring. View the previous year’s application here.

The Seattle Youth Poet Laureate Program aims to identify young writers and leaders who are committed to poetry, performance, civic and community engagement, education, and equity across the Puget Sound Region. Along with the prestigious title of Seattle Youth Poet Laureate, the winning poet will also get a book deal from local publisher Poetry NW Editions to publish their first collection of poems.

At events throughout the region over the course of the following year, the Seattle Youth 
Poet Laureate will have numerous opportunities and platforms to share their powerful 
voice, their leadership, and love for the city. A group of esteemed judges chooses eight finalists from the application pool, and selects one teen to be honored with the title of Youth Poet Laureate and a runner-up Youth Poet Ambassador at the annual Commencement Performance.

For Teachers

Know a star poet, rapper, or leader who you think would be a fantastic fit for the title of 2019 Seattle Youth Poet Laureate? Submissions for the 2020/21 Youth Poet Laureate will open next spring. View the previous year’s application here.

For Community Members

Interested in inviting the current Youth Poet Laureate to speak at your event? Fill out the Speaker Request Form, and email wits@lectures.org to be connected.

To connect with current or past Youth Poet Laureates, email wits@lectures.org.