High schools across the U.S. are invited to register to participate in the National Endowment for the Arts’ Poetry Out Loud poetry recitation competition that will be taking place during the 2026-2027 school year
By Steven Brodsky
From a news release that was issued today, September 3, 2026, by the National Endowment for the Arts:
Washington, DC—Poetry Out Loud®, an arts education program of the National Endowment for the Arts, is returning for the 2026-2027 school year, inviting high school students from across the country to participate in this dynamic poetry recitation competition that is designed to improve public speaking skills, build confidence, and teach about literary history and contemporary life.
Schools and organizations are encouraged to visit PoetryOutLoud.org for free poetry education resources, including an anthology of classic and contemporary poems, and to contact their Poetry Out Loud state coordinator to register for this year’s official competition.
“Each year, students, parents, and teachers tell us that Poetry Out Loud has a lasting impact on participants,” said Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “By studying and reciting poetry, young people discover new ways to connect with language, express complex ideas and emotions with confidence, and stand before an audience ready to use their voice.”
Since this arts education program began in 2005, more than 4.6 million students and 89,000 teachers from 22,000 schools across the U.S. have participated in Poetry Out Loud.
The program starts at the local level in a classroom, school, or an area organization. Participating students select, memorize, and recite poems from the Poetry Out Loud anthology. Winners may then advance to a regional and/or state competition, and ultimately to the National Finals, where $50,000 in prizes and stipends are awarded annually to competitors and their home communities—including a $20,000 prize for the National Champion. The 2027 Poetry Out Loud National Finals will take place April 27-28, 2027, in Washington, DC.
Poetry Out Loud is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with participating state and jurisdictional arts agencies and managed by Mid Atlantic Arts. Mid Atlantic Arts administers the Poetry Out Loud National Finals and all aspects of the monetary prizes.
Why Poetry Out Loud Matters
National Endowment for the Arts research shows that students who participate in Poetry Out Loud showed improved writing and analytical skills. Research also found that participating students showed increase in self-confidence and reported that reading and listening to poetry helped them think about situations from multiple perspectives.
These skills extend far beyond their application to a poetry competition, helping students in other school subjects and as they enter the workforce.
Poetry Out Loud can also have a positive impact on schools, helping to build community, forging stronger bonds between teachers and students, and bringing together students who may not have otherwise formed connections.
How to Participate
To register for the 2026-2027 program, schools and organizations should contact their state arts agency. All types of high schools are welcome to participate, including public, private, parochial, independent, charter, and homeschool. Non-school organizations, such as after school clubs, libraries, or nonprofit organizations, may choose to run Poetry Out Loud as well. Students unable to participate at their school or a local organization should contact their state Poetry Out Loud coordinator to discuss other opportunities for inclusion in their state’s official competition.
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