California Poets in the Schools Seeks Next Youth Poet Laureate of Sonoma County

Sonoma County California Poets in the Schools aims to acknowledge a student who has achieved excellence in poetry.  To this end, we will name the next Youth Poet Laureate of Sonoma County in August, 2021.  We will support this young person as an emerging arts leader for the county - who is helping to raise the profile of poetry and develop its audience.  Apply by July 15, 2021. 

​Specifics:

This student should be between the ages of 13 and 19. 
They must be a county resident who expects to remain in the county between August 2021 and July 2022.
They should also have demonstrated their commitment to literary arts and community engagement through participation in volunteer and community service, clubs, afterschool activities, and extra academic activities. 
California Poets in the Schools will administer this program as a regional partner of Urban Word.
The Youth Poet Laureate will serve a one year term and is expected to participate in at least four public functions. 
YPL will receive a $500 stipend and a publishing contract for a chapbook of their work, or an anthology that includes their work and that of other finalists. 
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Procedure:

​YPL nominations may come from any organization or individual. 
Application must be downloaded, printed, signed and submitted by July 15th via email to californiapoets@gmail.com
Application may also be sent to: California Poets in the Schools - Youth Poet Laureate Submission, PO Box 1328, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
We will mail an application to anyone who requests one.  Please contact   to request.
With the application, three of the student’s poems must be submitted, totaling no more than ten pages.   
For finalists, an adult sponsor will be required to provide a letter of support. 
A committee of respected local poets will review applications and choose finalists. 
Finalists will be asked to attend a judging session so that their ability to present their poems effectively (as well as writing good poems) can be assessed. 
The winner will be announced in August, 2021

Learn more HERE
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