What is Poetry Out Loud?

Poetry Out Loud (POL) is a national poetry recitation competition for high school students. By encouraging youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance, students can master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. The program and all materials are provided to each partner at no cost.

Participating partners host their own competitions and select a student to represent their school at the state finals. Each year, the state champion advances to the national finals in Washington, D.C. and competes for a $20,000 college scholarship. In order to ensure the safety and health of participating students and staff, the 2021 POL National Finals will be held virtually in lieu of holding them on-site in Washington D.C. as previously planned.

2023-2024 Timeline

August – October 31, 2023
AK POL Registration for schools and at-large participants open

September 1, 2024
POL online anthology live for 2023-24 school year

November 1, 2023
Deadline for Alaska Poetry Out Loud Registration

Prior to winter break
- Recommended completion of classroom/school competitions
- Communication/Coordination with AK POL School Liaisons and At-large Student registrants about in-person and video-adjudicated Regional Competitions.

January 25, 2024
Deadline for submission of video recitations for Alaska Video-adjudicated Regional Competition

February 1, 2024
Deadline to hold In-person Regional Alaska Poetry Out Loud Competitions

February 1-4, 2024
Alaska Regional Poetry Out Loud Video Adjudication

February 5, 2024
Announcement of Alaska POL State Finalists!

February 7, 2024 at 4:00 pm 
Alaska Poetry Out Loud State Finalist online meet-and-greet (zoom)

February 7 – March 8, 2024
Alaska State Poetry Out Loud distance coaching, coordination, and preparation

March 10-12, 2024
Alaska State Poetry Out Loud in Juneau (Competition to be held the evening of March 11th)

March 21, 2024
Deadline for state champs and chaperones to register for National Finals

April 30 – May 2, 2024
Poetry Out Loud National Finals in Washington, DC

POL Contact Info

Juneau Arts and Humanities Council
email: pol@jahc.org
phone: 907-586-2787

Laura Forbes, Arts Education Program Director
Alaska State Council on the Arts
(907) 269-6682 (w) (907) 394-1525 (cell)
email: laura.forbes@alaska.gov

All Rights Reserved by the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council