Poetry Out Loud Registration
Poetry Out Loud Registration from the Kentucky Arts Council supports high school students in poetry recitation with educational resources, artist residencies, and competitions at school, state, and national levels.
Funder: Kentucky Arts Council
Due Dates: October 3, 2026 (Registration deadline) | January 29, 2027 (Champion's registration for state finals) | March 10, 2027 (National finals registration deadline)
Funding Amounts: State champion: $200 + $500 for school | State runner-up: $100 + $200 for school | National champion: $20,000 | Additional prizes at state and national levels
Summary: Supports Kentucky high schools in participating in a statewide poetry recitation competition with educational resources, residencies, and student awards.
Description
This program, coordinated by the Kentucky Arts Council in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, invites Kentucky high schools to register for the Poetry Out Loud competition. The initiative is designed to engage students in grades 9–12 (and eligible 8th graders in high school classes) in poetry recitation, enhancing public speaking, confidence, and literary appreciation. Participating schools receive free lesson plans, an online poetry anthology, and a fully-funded residency with a professional teaching artist to help students prepare for the competition. The program culminates in school, state, and national competitions, with substantial prizes for students and schools at each level.
