INDIANA — High school students across the state have a unique opportunity to master classical and contemporary poetry, build public speaking skills, and compete for a spot on the national stage as Indiana Humanities launches the local phase of the Poetry Out Loud program.
Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education initiative that encourages high schoolers to study great literature through dynamic recitation competitions. Offered completely free to participating schools and organizations, the program provides comprehensive educational materials designed to enrich classroom learning.
Transformative Educational Impact
Participation in Poetry Out Loud offers substantial benefits beyond the classroom. Research and program evaluations from the National Endowment for the Arts highlight measurable improvements in:
- Academic Performance: Strengthening analytical skills, reading comprehension, and literary retention.
- Self-Confidence: Building poise, articulation, and public speaking resilience before peers and judges.
- Social & Cultural Awareness: Fostering deeper empathy and engagement with diverse perspectives through poetic expression.
- Poetry Appreciation: Connecting students directly to historical and modern poetic voices.
How Schools and Organizations Can Get Involved
Indiana Humanities has outlined key dates and resources for educators, community leaders, and organizers looking to bring the program to their students:
- Informational Webinar (Nov. 17): A live virtual session will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Eastern on Nov. 17. Attendees will learn how to organize a local competition and explore the free resources available to support teachers and contest coordinators.
- Expression of Interest (Dec. 11 Deadline): Interested schools and organizations are encouraged to complete the online interest form by Dec. 11. Submitting the form ensures organizers receive state competition updates and promotional toolkits.
- Local Competitions (By Jan. 25, 2027): Coordinators can review the official organizer guide to structure their school or group programs. Local contests must be completed, and winners declared, no later than Jan. 25, 2027.
The Road to Washington, D.C.
Local competition champions will advance to the Indiana State Finals, hosted in Indianapolis on Feb. 13, 2027. The student crowned Indiana State Champion will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in April 2027 to represent the state at the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, competing for college scholarships and school awards.
Key Contacts & Information
For questions regarding registration, contest guides, or program support, contact:
- Contact: Megan Telligman, Director of Programs
- Organization: Indiana Humanities (1500 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46202)
- Email: mtelligman@indianahumanities.org
- Phone: 317-616-9409
