National Student Poets Program
The Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers partner to present the National Student Poets Program, the nation’s highest honor for young poets (grades 10–11) creating original work.
Annually, five students are selected for one year of service, each representing a different geographic region of the country. The Program believes in the power of youth voices to create and sustain meaningful change, and supports them in being heard.
How to Apply
To be considered for the National Student Poets Program, students must enter poetry to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Students in grades 10–11 who receive a Gold Key in the poetry category may be selected to apply for the National Student Poets Program. Nominees are then asked to complete an additional application.
In the Community
Each year, National Student Poets act as youth poetry ambassadors, spreading poetry to their communities through individual service projects, April Poetry Month readings and workshops, and a variety of other opportunities, such as national poetry conferences, galas, and festivals.
As part of their Year of Service, each National Student Poet creates a community service project, expanding the reach of the Program by engaging audiences in their region around issues and themes that hold special significance for the Poet.
Chapbook
The Class of 2023 chapbook is available to view online or download as a PDF.
Special Thanks
The National Student Poets Program is supported, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Hearthland Foundation, and the Academy of American Poets.