Howard County Youth Poet Laureate

The Howard County Youth Poet Laureate program is a local initiative designed to elevate the voice of youth through the literary arts. The program is administered by the Howard County Arts Council in collaboration with the Howard County Poetry & Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo) and the Office of County Executive Calvin Ball. It aims to amplify the expressive power of poetry among young people while fostering community engagement and promoting literacy throughout Howard County. The Youth Poet Laureate is awarded an honorary one-year title and is expected to serve as a public ambassador for poetry, the arts, and youth expression. The Youth Poet Laureate title is a one-year appointment lasting from September 2026 through August 2027. During this term, the laureate will receive a total honorarium of $500, paid in two installments of $250 at the beginning and end of the service period. The laureate is expected to participate in five to eight public or civic events, serving as a visible representative of youth engagement in the arts. Events may include the Blackbird Poetry Festival, Wilde Reading Series, and various County Executive-related readings. Additional participation through social media and selection panels for future laureates may also be involved. To be eligible, applicants must be current residents of Howard County or within commuting distance, between the ages of 14 (and a high school freshman) and 21 at the time of application. They must be original creators of poetic work and actively engaged in their community’s arts scene. Employees, trustees, or board members of HoCo Arts or HoCoPoLitSo and their immediate families are not eligible. Additionally, former Youth on Board members of HoCoPoLitSo must have resigned at least 60 days before applying. The position may not be held for consecutive terms. Applications open on February 2, 2026, and the deadline to apply is April 30, 2026. The application process must be completed through Submittable. Applicants must provide a biography, a personal statement about poetry, details on community engagement in the arts, three to five original poems (compiled into a single PDF), a video performance of one poem, and one or two letters of recommendation from adults familiar with the applicant’s artistic or community work. For those unable to submit online, contact Dana Whipkey, HoCo Arts Grants and Special Projects Coordinator, is provided for assistance. Evaluation is conducted in a three-step process. First, HoCo Arts staff reviews submissions for eligibility and completeness. Next, a panel of literary arts professionals organized by HoCoPoLitSo scores and discusses applications. Up to three finalists may be invited to interview with the County Executive, who will make the final decision. Review criteria focus on mechanics, clarity, style, lyricism, imagery, and emotional resonance, with close scrutiny of the submitted poetry and supporting materials. The final selection will be announced in September 2026. While the opportunity does not include recurring financial grants or multi-year funding, the position offers a unique platform for young poets to influence civic life and cultural engagement in Howard County. The sponsoring organizations retain the right to revise, extend, or reissue the opportunity at their discretion.

Submit formatted poetry and recommendations on time to avoid disqualification