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. Students who participate in the program gain public speaking skills, develop their appreciation for great literature, and connect with students across the state who are passionate about poetry and performance.
If you are interested in hosting a local competition, let us know about your intent to participate by filling out the registration form by this Friday, Dec. 12. You’ll then receive a packet of materials to support your local competition and emails with resources and reminders about Indiana’s state competition.
How Poetry Out Loud Works
- Students pick three poems from the approved anthology to practice and perform at a local competition.
- During the local competition, judges review and score the students on several criteria, including accuracy, performance, evidence of understanding, and more.
- Students who win their local competitions travel to Indianapolis on Feb. 21, 2026, to compete in the state finals. The winner of each state competition qualifies for Nationals, held April 27-29, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Resources to Get Started
These materials contain everything you need to know to host a local competition at your school or organization: Poetry Out Loud Organizer Guide Indiana Competition – Informational Webinar Slides Teaching Resources & Lesson Plans National Poetry Out Loud Website
Important Dates
- Friday, Dec. 12, 2025: Intent to participate form due
- Friday, Jan. 30, 2026: Deadline to notify Indiana Humanities of local winners
- Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026: Indiana State Finals (Indianapolis)
- Monday, April 27-Wednesday, April 29, 2026: National Finals (Washington, D.C.)
Questions about the program email Megan Telligman, director of programs at Indiana Humanities: mtelligman@indianahumanities.org or call 317-616-9409.
