2025 Nashville Youth Poet Laureate Application Available

This fall, Nashville will accept submissions from young poets, emcees, writers, and leaders ages 13-19 from across Nashville who are interested in representing the city as the Nashville Youth Poet Laureate. The Nashville Youth Poet Laureate program aims to identify young writers and leaders who are committed to civic and community engagement, diversity and inclusion, and youth voice across Nashville.

Selected applicants will perform at a semifinals where three finalists will be selected to perform at State of the Word in December for an opportunity to be honored with the title of Nashville Youth Poet Laureate. The Nashville Youth Poet Laureate will share their powerful voice, their leadership, and love of Nashville at numerous events across the city.

The Nashville Youth Poet Laureate is a joint program of the Office of the Mayor, Southern Word, Metro Human Relations Commission, Nashville Public Library, Metro Arts, in partnership with Urban Word, and supported by the PEN Center USA, Academy of American Poets, and Nashville Public Library Foundation. The organizational supporters of this program recognize that youth voice and community engagement are vital for empowering young people to effect positive changes in their communities and beyond.

To Apply:

  • Applicants must be between the ages of 13 – 19 years old. They must attend or have attended a Nashville high school.
  • The Nashville Youth Poet Laureate must be a Middle TN resident during their one-year tenure in order to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.
  • Submit 3 original poems/raps/performances as word documents or video links. At least one of the submissions must address the themes of Human Relations, Diversity, and Positive Social Change.
  • Include a RESUME that has your name, address, phone #, and e-mail; and details all of your accomplishments, community service, after school programs, volunteer experiences, and awards.
  • Please EMAIL any documents you are unable to upload to info@southernword.org.
  • To ensure a range of applicants, only two poets from a school will be permitted to participate in the semifinals and only one poet per school will participate in the finals.
  • If selected, you must be available to perform at the semifinals on November 21 and the State of the Word on December 14.
  • Applications are due Friday, October 18.
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NASHVILLE YOUTH POET LAUREATE APPLICATION

Student Name
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Resume

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Poetry Submissions

As part of your application, you must submit 3 original poems. Submit at least one poem that speaks to the themes of Human Relations, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, or Positive Social Change. You may copy and paste each poem using the text boxes provided or provide YouTube links.

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