Poetry Out Loud – Celebrating 20 years!

The registration deadline for Poetry Out Loud 2024-2025 is October 15th.

Free for participating schools, libraries, and non-profits.

“Poetry Out Loud is the best way I’ve ever seen to teach poetry in a classroom. This program gets the students to essentially teach poems to their classmates by reciting them in a way which gives the poem life. As a poet, I’m so grateful for this program and what it does.”  -Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason

Poetry Out Loud encourages teens to learn about poetry through memorization and recitation. The program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. Poetry Out Loud is an exciting way to bring poetry alive for both students and teachers.

NEW THIS YEAR

As always, POL activities, including teaching artist sessions are FREE of charge.

Follow Nebraska Poetry Out Loud on Facebook for more information.

 

Registration Form

Poetry Out Loud Nebraska Registration

Registration Deadline: October 15

Teachers, librarians, and non-profit administrators, use this form to register for Poetry Out Loud. Once you submit your registration form, NAC will contact you about artist visits, program stipends, and other information.

Information

Nebraska high schools, public libraries, and non-profits are invited to participate in this free program. Participating students compete for a free trip to Washington D.C. and more than $50,000 in scholarships and prizes.

Poetry Out Loud meets many Nebraska ELA and theatre standards, as well as NCTE standards. Nebraska Arts Council provides personalized assistance to help you get started with your program.

We are pleased to offer stipends of up to $200 to help you carry out your program. NAC will contact registered schools and organizations with details.

We are offering free in-person visits by poets and performing artists this year!  Artists will make visits during early October and requests are due by September 18. Visits are subject to scheduling availability and cannot be guaranteed.

Free virtual (online) artist coaching sessions are also offered once again. Requests for coaching sessions must be made by December 1 (sessions may be scheduled through January).

Calendar

September 2024- January 30, 2025: Conduct POL program in your school, library, or non-profit

  • Carry out your program with optional teaching artist visits and coaching sessions. Students explore the POL anthology and select poems to research and recite.
  • The digital 2024-25 Guide for Teachers and Organizers is now available.
  • POL school/organization coordinators may choose to have students recite one or two poems in your local competition.
  • Hold your local/school competition to determine your student champ who will advance to State Qualifier competition. A local competition among multiple students is required to advance your winning student to the State Qualifiers round.
  • Important: Once your student champ has won the local contest, they will need time to record two recitation videos before the submission deadline.

January 2 – February 3, 2025: State Qualifiers video submissions due

  • Submit your school’s student champ video recordings of two poem recitations anytime between January 2 and February 3. We encourage schools/organizations to plan ahead and submit videos before the end of January

February 11, 2025: State Finalists Announced

February 18, 2025: State Finals poem selection deadline

  • Deadline to notify NAC of state finalist student’s three selected poems for the state competition.
    • Poem requirement reminder for State Finals: must include one poem 25 lines or less & one
      pre-20th century poem – the same poem can meet both requirements

Sunday, March 9, 2025: Nebraska State Finals Competition at Midland University in Fremont

  • New location! State Finals will take place at Midland University’s Kimmel Theatre in Fremont on Sunday afternoon, March 9. Travel stipends will be offered.

May 5–7, 2024: National Poetry Out Loud Competition in Washington, DC

  • The Nebraska state champion (and chaperone) wins a free trip to Washington to participate in the national competition.

Resources for Coordinating Teachers

News

Poetry Out Loud