POETRY OUT LOUD
The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation partner with state arts agencies to support Poetry Out Loud, a competition that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through analysis, memorization, and recitation. The program helps teens master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage and contemporary issues.
The 2025 season marks the 20th anniversary of Poetry Out Loud and takes place in all 50 states, American Samoa, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Since the program began in 2005, more than 4.4 million students and 81,000 teachers from 20,000 schools across the U.S. have participated in Poetry Out Loud.
The Springfield Area Arts Council is the state coordinator for the state of Illinois as the designated partner agency of the Illinois Arts Council.
2025 STATE CONTEST REGISTRATION
Each student participating in the Poetry Out Loud State Competition must submit their registration forms by Monday, March 3. Please download each of the following forms, complete them in their entirety, and submit them using the online submission form below.
2025 POETRY OURSELVES REGISTRATION
Poetry Ourselves is an optional, original poetry contest open to 2025 Poetry Out Loud Illinois regional champions and runners-up. This program works to honor student achievement, encourage continued involvement in Poetry Out Loud, and promote poetry in all its forms.
Please review the guidelines for further instructions, eligibility, and criteria. Once you have reviewed the guidelines, fill out the media permission form and submit it through the online submission form found below. Alternatively, you may email the media permission form to Sheila Walk at programs@springfieldartsco.org.