2024-2025 Youth Poet Laureate Application

Please take your time when completing this form and if you are under the age of 18, we suggest filling this out with your parents or guardians help. All applicants must be between the ages of 13-19 years old and be current residents of the jurisdiction applied for.

Applicants are asked to upload up to Five Original Poems, a Performance Video, and a Bio or a Resume detailing their interests & accomplishments. They should include any community service or volunteer experience, extracurricular/church programming, or awards that they may have. Applicants should also be enrolled in the Words Beats & Life Academy Poetry class in-person on Wednesday evenings from 4:00-6:00pm at St. Stephens and the Incantation Episcopal Church, 1525 Newton St. NW.

After an application and an extensive interview process, the top scoring finalists will perform & be honored, with the highest scoring poet named Youth Poet Laureate

The winning poet will

-perform on tour at all Busboys and Poets locations and various DC Public Libraries

-perform at Library of Congress and at Planet Word during National Poetry Month in April

-Serve on the Youth Advisory Board for the John F. Kennedy Center

-Publish an original book through Words Beats & Life upon program completion

THE REMAINING FINALISTS will not only be named Youth Poet Ambassadors for their area, but they will receive performance opportunities as part of WBL’s Academy!

ALL applications are due Friday November 1, 2024 by 7pm

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* 1. Legal Name

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* 2. Email Address

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* 3. What is your Instagram handle?

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* 4. Phone Number

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* 5. Date of Birth

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* 6. Mailing Address

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* 7. Are you available to attend WBL's Wednesday Poetry Class (In-Person) 4:00-6:00pm at St. Stephens Church?

Yes

Other (please specify)

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* 8. What area of Youth Poet Laureate are you applying to? (You Must be a resident)

Arlington County, VA

Montgomery County, MD

Washington, D.C.

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* 9. What is the name of the current school you attend?

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* 10. If this is your senior year in high school, what school or colleges do you plan to apply to?

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* 11. What is your graduation year

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* 12. What is your shirt size?

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* 13. Upload your bio or resume

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