Poetry Out Loud
An interdisciplinary celebration of literature and expressive presentation.

2024-25 Poetry Out Loud Information from the Missouri Arts Council

Interested? Contact Missouri Arts Council - Jenni Ryan - 314-340-6857 - jenni.ryan@ltgov.mo.gov

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered to support 2024-25 Poetry Out Loud, a FREE national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic competition for high school students across the country. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self- confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.

September 1, 2024 POL online anthology live for 2024-25 school year

January 31, 2025 School contest deadline

February 22, 2025 Regional contest deadline 

March 5-6, 2025 State Contest

May 5-7, 2025 Poetry Out Loud National Finals in Washington, DC


HOW TO GET INVOLVED

In order to compete, schools and organizations must register through the state contact listed at the link below. All materials and resources are provided free of charge. Competitions--which can be conducted virtually or in-person--will begin in fall at the school or local level to identify one student winner to represent their school at the regional or state finals.

Each winner at the state level will receive:

• A $200 cash prize

• A $500 cash stipend for their representing school or organization to purchase poetry materials

• An opportunity to compete for the title of National Champion in Washington, DC

Interested? Contact Missouri Arts Council - Jenni Ryan - 314-340-6857 - jenni.ryan@ltgov.mo.gov


"It is with fondness that I reflect back on my time organizing my school's first Poetry Out Loud contest a year ago. While I no longer teach at Hickory Co. Skyline High School (due to relocating to Springfield), please know that I'm a huge fan of Poetry Out Loud (and my awesome poetry students who went on the POL journey with me!). I'm such a huge fan that I wrote about my first contest experience on my teaching blog."