Applications are open for Chicago’s 2026 Youth Poet Laureate competition!

The National Youth Poet Laureate Competition is an initiative of Urban Word, in collaboration with local youth literary arts organizations across the country; and championed by the leading national literary and arts organizations, including the Library of Congress, Academy of American Poets, The Poetry Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and Cave Canem. The program identifies powerful youth poets that have a history of artistic success, civic and community engagement, social justice, and youth leadership. Over 50 partner cities are participating in our national network of Youth Poet Laureates and have the opportunity to submit to the National Youth Poet Laureate Competition.

Applications open February 7th through April 1st.

What type of individual are you looking for? 

We seek applications from young people ages 13-18 years of age in Chicago and the Chicago Suburbs who are committed to the growth and development of their local communities. The Youth Poet Laureate program looks to identify and celebrate the intersection of literary excellence and civic engagement/social impact.We are looking for youth who are civically engaged, making a social impact, and showcasing literary excellence. 

• By “Civic Engagement,” we mean any regular activity that strengthens and promotes the quality of life in your community or school. 
• By “Social Impact” we mean any examples of a commitment to equity and inclusiveness, activism and the fundamental right of youth to be outspoken. Examples include efforts in political activism, organizing, school participation, and volunteerism, as well as various educational and artistic initiatives. 
• By “literary excellence” we define literary excellence as any literary work that employs the tools of poetic craft—music, image, metaphor and simile, traditional forms (sonnet, villanelle, ghazal, and so on)—combined with passionate artistic vision. We encourage originality, taking chances, and work that deepens humanity. 

Application Requirements:

• To be eligible all applicants must be between the ages of 13-18 years old at the time of submission.
• Complete the application linked above in its entirety. We suggest looking over the questions ahead of time, and drafting your answers in another document first to make sure you don’t lose any information.
• Tell Us about Yourself: In the application above, we ask that you brag on your accomplishments over the last year to help us get to know more about you and your history of civic engagement.
• Submit a Writing Sample: All participating poets must submit a portfolio of 3 poems. Do not exceed 5 pages. Your portfolio should be emailed to programs@youngchicagoauthors.org with the subject line: “YPL Portfolio – First Name Last Name”
• Submit a Performance Video: We want to see your performance style! Submit a video of you performing one of the poems from your portfolio, or another original piece. This should not be an existing video from another event. Rooted & Radical Participants will have the chance to record their poems in person at R&R events.
• HELPFUL TIPS! We advise that applicants have a parent/guardian/teacher support them in completing this application.

What does it mean if I am selected as the 2026 Chicago Youth Poet Laureate?

It means that you are committing to serve in a position to be a civic and literary arts ambassador for Chicago by speaking, performing, and being a public ambassador. 

Our 2026 Chicago Youth Poet Laureate will have the honor of receiving the chance to go on a Chicago reading tour organized by Young Chicago Authors.

Chicago  Youth Poet Laureates will also be joining the National Youth Poet Laureate Network and get the chance to participate in programming, special opportunities, and more!

The 2026 Chicago Youth Poet Laureate will also be featured on the Youth Poet Laureate website.

 

Save the date! 

The 2026 Chicago Youth Poet Laureate will be announced at the Youth Poet Laureate Commencement in May of 2026.