Calling All High School Students!
Do you love words, music or performing? Do you have a passion for the written word? Do you want to refine your public speaking skills in a positive, encouraging environment? Poetry Out Loud, opens a new window is waiting for you! This is your chance to get involved and take the stage.
You’ll receive all the support you need to prepare for this one-of-a-kind poetry competition. With the help of your group mentor, you’ll select a poem from the 2026 Poetry Out Loud anthology, opens a new window that speaks to you and have the opportunity to develop the skills to become a confident competitor. You don't have to be a poet or theater kid to join—all you need is curiosity and courage to try something new.
The contest begins at your school or local organization. Winners from there can move on to state and national levels. State winners earn cash prizes and a trip to Washington, DC, for the National Finals. More than $50,000 in awards are given each year, including $20,000 for the National Champion.
The San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture, opens a new window invites educators, youth organization leaders, and high school students to participate in San Mateo County’s 2026 Poetry Out Loud program! If you’d like to learn more about Poetry Out Loud at the county level, visit their webpage, opens a new window. Ready to take part? Register below before Friday, December 12.
San Mateo County Poet Spotlight
The winner of the 2024 San Mateo County Poetry Out Loud contest, Chloe Chou, went on to become the 2025 California Youth Poet Laureate and is now a freshman at Stanford.
"Poetry Out Loud offers the rare opportunity for young people to merge their passions for creative writing with public speaking. It challenges participants to connect deeply with language and performance and invites them to grow not only as writers and speakers, but also as storytellers."
—Chloe Chou, 2024 San Mateo County Poetry Out Loud Winner.
Educators: Help Your Students Shine
Bring Poetry Out Loud to your school or youth organization, and watch students discover the power of their voices. This program helps teens grow in confidence, public speaking and creative expression. It works well in English, drama or after-school settings and welcomes all types of learners. The 2026 anthology, opens a new window highlights a wide range of poets whose words tell the story of America’s past, present and future. With your support, students can experience the joy of poetry and the thrill of performance.
Everything you need to participate is free and easy to access. Check out Poetry Out Loud’s website, opens a new window for:
- Information for Teachers and Organizations, opens a new window
- Lesson Plans, opens a new window
- An inside scoop on what it’s like to compete, opens a new window, performance tips, opens a new window and more!
For more information about joining San Mateo County's 2026 cohort of Poetry Out Loud, contact Mara Grimes, Admin-Manager at San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture.
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