The Gateway Regional Arts Center is proud to announce the 3rd Annual Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate competition.

ABOUT THE YOUTH POET LAUREATE PROGRAM 
The Kentucky Youth Poet Laureate program is a collaborative initiative between GRAC and Urban Word, designed to recognize and uplift young writers and leaders dedicated to civic engagement, community service, diversity and inclusion, and amplifying youth voices across the Bluegrass. This program not only emphasizes the vital role of youth perspectives in shaping civic discourse, but also highlights how young people are uniquely poised to remind us of our responsibility to future generations, to our children, and to the ideals that bind us all. Read more about the National Youth Poet Laureate Program HERE

AM I ELIGIBLE?

• Ages 13-19 (at time of submission)

• Resident of Kentucky for at least 5 years

• Live in Kentucky throughout their year as YPL

WINNER RECEIVES:

• 2 free tickets to the 2025 GRAC Gala

• Opportunity to perform spoken word at 2025 GRAC Gala

• Opportunity to speak at Kentucky Arts Council Events, Poetry Out Loud Events, Kentucky Writers Day, and local schools

• Chance to compete for National Youth Laureate title

Application Deadline: February 29