INDIANA – Poetry Out Loud (POL) 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.
The deadline to register to host a competition is Wednesday, November 30th.
This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. Poetry Out Loud is a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation, and the state and jurisdictional arts agencies.
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 at 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.
