Poetry Out Loud

Poetry Out Loud in Iowa is an arts education program that encourages 9th-12th grade students to study poetry and compete in a recitation competition at local, state, and national levels.

Poetry Out Loud (POL) was launched by the National Endowment for the Arts

and is supported by the Poetry Foundation.

Poetry Out Loud is a fun and dynamic way to introduce students to poetry and creative writing.
Poetry Out Loud supports student learning and engagement, promotes creativity, and offers all students opportunities to succeed and support their peers.
Poetry Out Loud helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history.

Process

High school teachers can incorporate Poetry Out Loud into an existing curriculum using free, standards-based materials. POL provides educators with everything they need to be successful—while Humanities Iowa and the University of Iowa Office of Community Engagement are here to assist and coach at every step of the way.
Classroom studies culminate with a classroom or school-wide contest in which each student selects and recites poems from the Poetry Out Loud anthology. Alternatively, a local organization may host a contest in which multiple area high schools participate.
Local champions will then advance to the State Finals, where they will read three poems before a panel of judges. The state champion will advance to Nationals in Washington, D.C.

Did you know?

4.2M students from all U.S. states and territories have participated in Poetry Out Loud programs

Awards and Scholarships

The Iowa state contest winner will earn a $200 award and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the POL National Finals, where students compete for $50,000 in scholarships.
Iowa champion’s school also receives a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books and the first runner-up receives a $100 award, plus $200 for their school.

Grant Support

Nonprofit organizations may be eligible for support to host and administer a local or regional Poetry Out Loud contest involving multiple schools. Contact the Poetry Out Loud team for more information about available support and eligibility.

2026-27 Program Timeline

August 8, 2026: School registration opens for local Poetry Out Loud contests.
October 1, 2026: Poetry Out Loud Anthology is made available. Contests may start and take place any time between October 3, 2026, and January 22, 2026.
December 1, 2026: School registration deadline.
January 22, 2027: Deadline to hold a local contest at your school or organization.
February 12, 2027: Local finalists are invited to participate in State Finals.
February 28, 2027: Iowa Poetry Out Loud State Finals in Iowa City.
April 26-April 28, 2027: State champion competes at the Poetry Out Loud National Finals in Washington, D.C.