Are you passionate about poetry?
Are you 13-19 years old?
Do you live in one of the following counties: Escambia (FL and AL), Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Fort Walton, Bay, Baldwin, or Mobile?
Are you actively involved in giving back to your community?
Do you enjoy reading/performing your poetry for an audience?
If you answered yes to these questions, we would love to have you apply to be the first ever Emerald Coast Youth Poet Laureate! Finalists will be eligible to compete at the regional level and could even potentially apply to become the next official National Youth Poet Laureate!
Applications will open in late March 2026. The deadline to apply is April 10, 2026.
You will submit five poems, as well as a resume displaying community involvement/civic service.
We will hold a virtual workshop on March 10, 2026 at 7:30 PM to answer questions and to help you to build your portfolio of poetry and a resume. Our current Northwest Florida Poet Laureate, Asia Samson, will be in attendance to share some of his amazing poetry and inspiration!
If you are interested in learning more and applying to be the Emerald Coast Youth Poet Laureate, you must register for the workshop. Recordings will be available if you are not able to attend. We are so excited to meet you and read the amazing words you have to share!
For more information about the National Youth Poet Laureate program, visit www.YouthLaureate.org