KY Youth Poet Laureate Applications

The Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning is proud to announce the launch of Kentucky's first Youth Poet Laureate chapter in Lexington. This prestigious program, in partnership with Urban Word NYC and the Kentucky Arts Council, is designed to honor young writers and leaders in Kentucky between the ages of 13-18, who are committed to making a civic impact through community engagement utilizing the power of their written and spoken words. We strongly believe that when we honor young people and give them this kind of office, the community is more likely to listen to what they have to say.

The submission period for Lexington Youth Poet Laureate applications is from August 1 through October 31, 2022. One finalist will be named the first ever Lexington Youth Poet Laureate in December 2022.

Full program details.

TO BE ELIGIBLE YOU MUST:

• Be a Lexington, Kentucky resident between the ages of 13 and 18.
• Be available to serve as Lexington Youth Poet Laureate for the December 2022-December 2023 program year.
• Live locally throughout the program year.
• Not be enrolled in college full-time during the program year.

WINNER OF COMPETITION RECEIVES:

• A grant of $500 to do some good at a community organization of their choice.
• A scholarship of $500 towards student's higher education/post high school vocational training.
• Poetry featured in a chapbook and copies of the chapbook.
• Community project support from the Carnegie Center.
• One-on-one writing mentor sessions.
• Several free writing classes at the Carnegie Center.
• Help cultivating their public speaking rhetorical style.
• Opportunity to compete in the Regional Youth Poet Laureate Competition.

POET LAUREATE DUTIES:

• Inspire civic engagement, social justice, cultural awareness, and literary excellence.
• Develop a community project to grow your writing craft and inspire our communities.
• Attend and perform at public and/or private events (at least four).
• Share your experiences, writing process, and values on online platforms.
• Write one “clean” poem for the Carnegie Center website.
• Submit three poems for the national anthology by Urban Word.
• APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE:
• Three original poems showing your content, craft, and voice (10 pages or less).
• Artist statement that tells us who you are and what poetry means to you (250 words or less).
• Resume with a list of awards, community service, work experience, and/or activism.
• Contact info of an adult sponsor who knows your writing, school performance, and/or community involvement.
• Parent/guardian's contact info (unless you're 18 by October 31, 2022).

Click HERE to submit your 2022 application for Lexington Youth Poet Laureate. You may also download a printable application and resume template if you wish to submit your materials via snail mail.