INDIANAPOLIS — High school students across Indiana will have the opportunity to develop public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and deepen their appreciation for literature through the return of Poetry Out Loud for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education initiative sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, administered statewide in partnership with Indiana Humanities. The dynamic recitation program provides free educational materials and structures a multi-tier competition for high school students, offering proven academic and social benefits.
To help educators, school administrators, and community leaders organize local programs, Indiana Humanities will host an informational webinar on Tuesday, October 6, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The session will cover competition setup procedures, available support resources, and updates for the upcoming season.
Program Timeline and Competition Path
Schools and youth organizations interested in participating must complete an online interest form by December 11, 2026. Registered organizers will receive promotional materials, instructional guides, and updates regarding the state-level contest.
Local organizers have until January 25, 2027, to conduct their internal school or organization competitions and select a local champion.
The program progression includes:
- Informational Webinar: Oct. 6, 2026 (4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET)
- Interest Form Deadline: Dec. 11, 2026
- Local Competition Deadline: Jan. 25, 2027
- Indiana State Finals: Feb. 13, 2027 (Indianapolis, IN)
- National Finals: April 2027 (Washington, D.C.)
Winners of the local contests will advance to the Indiana State Finals in Indianapolis on February 13, 2027. Indiana’s state champion will then travel to Washington, D.C., in April 2027 to represent the state on the national stage.
For more information, registration links, or questions about organizing a local event, contact Megan Telligman, Director of Programs at Indiana Humanities, via email at mtelligman@indianahumanities.org or by phone at 317-616-9409.
