Solano County Arts Council

About Poetry Out Loud

Poetry Out Loud is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, administered statewide by the California Arts Council, and Solano County-wide by the Solano County Arts Council.

Poetry Out Loud encourages high school students to learn about poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. Participants gain proficiency in public speaking, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.

It's free to participate!

Schools, teachers, libraries, after school clubs, and non-profit organizations can also host a Poetry Out Loud student.

Interested Teachers, Students and Parents should register with Solano County Arts Council by January 7, 2027.

To register, submit student name(s,) school or organization name, and contact information to Jacalyn Eyvonne, Solano County Poetry Out Loud Program Facilitator at

Phone/text: (707) 342-2128

Email: author.jacalyneyvonne@gmail.com

How it Works

The structure of Poetry Out Loud is similar to a spelling bee. This annual program starts in the fall, with high school teachers using the free Poetry Out Loud teacher toolkit and related materials to teach poetry recitation and run classroom competitions. Classroom winners advance to a schoolwide competition; school champions compete at the district or county level by the end of January. County winners are then treated to an unforgettable two days at the California Poetry Out Loud State Finals in Sacramento, and a chance to compete in the national competition in Washington, D.C.

The California state champion receives:

$200 cash prize and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

$500 for their school to purchase literary materials

An opportunity to compete at the National Finals for college scholarship funds

Timeline

Fall & Winter 2026 Teachers and schools implement programs and register participants with Solano County Arts Council

January 7, 2027 Deadline to register with Solano County Arts Council

Late January 2027 Solano County Poetry Competition Event - exact date, time, and location to be announced

Sunday February 28, 2027 - Monday March 1, 2027 California Poetry Out Loud State Finals, Sacramento, CA

Monday April 26, 2027 - Wednesday April 28, 2027 Poetry Out Loud National Finals, Washington, D. C.

For More Information

find Teachers & Organizers Guide, student resources, Lesson Plans, Poem Anthology

and more at:

poetryoutloud.org

Read About Past Competitions