In a world filled with noise, distractions, and rapid changes, youth poetry programs stand as beacons of creativity, self-discovery, and empowerment.These programs are more than just a moment for young poets to write poems. These moments are incubators for personal growth, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Young Poets in the Community
Applications Open Through December 15
Language is one medium that allows humans to articulate their individuality. Poetry is a particularly powerful expression of this capacity of language. Like the other arts, poetry can touch those places in us where we feel most human; where we are deeply moved, and in turn can move and inspire others.
We invite applications from young poets in Virginia, at the following levels:
- Elementary School
- Middle School
- High School
- College
We will select worthy applications from young poets in our elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and undergraduate colleges, with a goal of representing each of the 7 Poetry Society of Virginia regions (Southeastern, Eastern, Northern, North Western, Central, North Central, and Western). The number of poets selected will be based on the number and quality of applications and available award funding.
Young Poets are selected for the relevance and quality of their poems and/or performance presence.
More importantly, applicants must propose a project that they can carry out during the award year, one that specifically helps enhance awareness and appreciation of poetry in their immediate community (including but not limited to their schools) and its role as a tool for social change, community/civic engagement, and emotional well-being.
This does not have to be a grand, large-scale project, but it must reach out to and invite the participation of others, using poetry as the central medium.
Applications Due December 15, 2025
Completed applications emailed to both
to both psvyoungpoets@gmail.com and haileycp@gmail.com.
YPIC Guidelines and AppLication Below
About Young Poets in the Community
Young Poets in the Community (YPIC) was started by former Poet Laureate Luisa A. Igloria as a Poets Laureate Fellowship project sponsored by the Academy of American Poets, with support from the Mellon Foundation. Fellows are asked to take on meaningful, impactful, and innovative projects that engage fellow residents helping to address issues important to their communities and create new work. She used the fellowship stipend to launch YPIC.
The YPIC program nurtures students who love, write and publish, and perform poetry, those who process their experiences through poetry or secretly write poetry and hide it under their mattresses.
We recognize poetry as an art that can help young people get through life challenges, whether they are the usual hurdles of growing up or the extreme struggles brought on by the global pandemic and other current events.
Students accepted in the YPIC program develop a poetry project and seek out a mentor for support.Vice President Cathy Hailey and PSV member Steve Bucher currently manage PSV’s YPIC program.
Poetry in the Schools
Rita Dove once affirmed that “Poetry is language at its most distilled and most powerful.” When we teach our students the value of poetry, we teach them the profound and awesome power of language.
Poetry is so much more powerful than words fixed on a page. It builds connections with others through sharing, community, and the power of language to bring folks together. Students begin to explore the world around them, ultimately becoming more well-rounded, attuned, and humanistic citizens in the progress.
Poetry is so much more powerful than words fixed on a page. It builds connections with others through sharing, community, and the power of language to bring folks together. Students begin to explore the world around them, ultimately becoming more well-rounded, attuned, and humanistic citizens in the progress.
The Poetry in the Schools initiative was launched as a project by Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda during her tenure as Virginia Poet Laureate.
In the classroom, poetry is an invaluable tool across all ages—and the purpose behind Poetry Society of Virginia’s Poetry in the Schools initiative.
Want help with ideas for including more poetry in your classroom?
Connect with Poetry in the Schools Program Director, Jae Dyche.
PSV Student Contest
The Annual PSV Student Contest is open!
Please contact PSV Student Contest Coordinator, Cathy Hailey, with any questions.
Poetry Society of Virginia 