Sign up now for Poetry Out Loud!

INDIANA – Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country.

This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.

Pictured above is 2021 Poetry Out Loud State Champion Lucia Walker. Click the image to watch a video in which Lucia reflects on her experience participating in Poetry Out Loud.

Poetry Out Loud is a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, Poetry Foundation, and the state and jurisdictional arts agencies.

Learn more at the POL Virtual Meet and Greet for New School Partners on Sept 26th at 3:30 p.m. (EST). 

Visit the Poetry Out Loud Indiana Website for more details

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Students in grades 9-12 in Indiana
  • All poems must be selected from the Poetry Out Loud print or online anthology
  • Students must compete at a school-level competition before competing in the state finals.

State Awards:

  • Each winner at the state level will receive $200 in prize money as well as the opportunity to compete at the National Finals. The state winner’s school will receive $500 for poetry materials. One runner-up in each state will receive $100; their school will receive $200 for the purchase of poetry materials. Student winners will also receive a physical award designed by an Indiana artist.

National Awards:

  • A total of $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be given at the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, including a $20,000 award for the National Champion.