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2025-2026 Youth Poet Laureate Application (District of Columbia, Montgomery County, MD, Northern VA )

Take your time when completing this form. If you are under 18, we encourage you to complete it with the support of a parent or guardian. All applicants must be between 13 and 19 years old and currently reside in the jurisdiction for which they are applying.

Applicants should be prepared to upload:

Up to five original poems
A performance video
A bio or résumé highlighting interests and accomplishments, including any community service, volunteer experience, extracurricular or faith-based activities, and awards

Applicants must also be enrolled in the Words Beats & Life Academy Poetry class held in person on Wednesdays from 5:00–6:00 PM on Zoom.

Following the application review and an in-depth interview process, top-scoring finalists will perform and be honored, with the highest-scoring poet named Youth Poet Laureate.

The Youth Poet Laureate will:
Perform on tour at all Busboys and Poets locations and select DC Public Libraries during the month of April.

Publish an original book through Words Beats & Life upon program completion
The remaining finalists will be invited to join our writers in residence program. Washington Writers, and perform as part of regional events and festivals.

All applications are due by Friday, October 31, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
1.Legal Name(Required.)
2.Email Address(Required.)
3.What is your Instagram handle?(Required.)
4.Phone Number(Required.)
5.Date of Birth(Required.)
6.Mailing Address(Required.)
7.Are you available to attend WBL's Wednesday Poetry Class (on Zoom) 5:00-6:00pm?(Required.)
8.What area of Youth Poet Laureate are you applying to? (You Must be a resident)(Required.)
9.What is the name of the current school you attend?(Required.)
10.If this is your senior year in high school, what schools or colleges do you plan to apply to? (Or Job if you don't plan to continue your education)
11.What is your graduation year(Required.)
12.What is your shirt size?(Required.)
13.Upload your bio or resume(Required.)
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14.Upload poem #1(Required.)
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15.Upload poem #2(Required.)
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16.Upload poem #3(Required.)
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17.Upload poem #4(Required.)
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18.Upload poem #5(Required.)
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19.Please share your Youtube or video link (optional)
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