When are applications accepted and due?

• Applications for the Youth Poet Laureate program will be accepted from April 1 through April 30, 2025.

• All applications are due on April 30, 2025.

What does the Youth Poet Laureate do?

• The Laureate and the finalists will be invited to perform at public events throughout the year, and beyond.

• The Laureate and Vice-Laureate will serve for one year, August 2, 2025 to July 31, 2026. They must live locally during this period.

• The Laureate and finalists will be asked to share their experiences, writing process, and values on online platforms.

• The Laureate and finalists will have the ability to develop a communitywide project to bring poetry to everyone.

• The Laureate will submit one poem that will be featured on the library website. The Laureate will also need to submit three poems for the national anthology by Urban Word, which will feature the work of all the 2025 Youth Poet Laureates across the country.

What does the Laureate title earn?

• A MacBook and computer accessories.

• The Laureate’s poetry will be included in a national anthology that also features the work of Laureates nationwide.

• The Alameda County Library will support the Laureate and will field event requests.

• The current Laureate and any former Laureates between the ages of 13-19 can submit poetry for the Regional Youth Poet Laureate competition and the statewide California Youth Poet Laureate competition. There are four Regional Youth Poet Laureates, and one will be selected as the National Youth Poet Laureate.

What should be included in your application?

• Three original poems that showcase your content, craft, and voice. Submissions should be no more than 10 pages. Do not include your name in the document as the first round is anonymous.

• Name and contact information of an adult sponsor who is familiar with your writing, academic achievements, and community involvement. If you advance to the next round, your sponsor will be asked to write a letter of recommendation. Ask for this letter in advance so the letter will be submitted by May 31!

• Artist statement: Introduce yourself! Tell us who you are and what poetry means to you. Your statement should be 250 words maximum.

• Your biography: This should include any awards, community service, work experience, or activism.

• Name and contact information of your legal guardian unless you are 18 by May 1, 2025.

How does this work? 

The first round of judging will be anonymous, based solely on the content, craft, and voice of your written poems. Learn more about the judging process. For questions about the Youth Poet Laureate program, please email: ypl@aclibrary.org.