Poetry Out Loud

Poetry Out Loud is open to high school students in all kinds of schools — public, private, parochial, independent, charter and home schooled students. Registration is COMING SOON for the 2026-2027 cycle.

Our longstanding Poetry Out Loud program open to high school students who commit to memorizing and reciting poems in front of an audience. Students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. Following a public competition each year, a champion from each county is chosen to attend the state finals.

There are opportunities for scholarships, prize money, and a competition that ends with a pizza party!

Yuba County & Sutter County Students who are high-school level. Whether you attend public school, private school, charter school, homeschool, hybrid school, alternative education, etc. Only currently enrolled students in grades 9-12 are eligible, with an exception made for 8th-grade students participating in a 9th- through 12th-grade class.

If you are enrolled in a Yuba County or Sutter County high school level school or program, but live in another county, you are also eligible to participate.

1. Head to PoetryOutLoud.org

You cannot use a poem you have written. The poem you chose to recite must be on the Poetry Out Loud website.

2. Fill Out Form

This form is closed for 2025-2026.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice!

Practice memorizing and performing your poem!

What some extra help? Contact Mayra at mayra@yubasutterarts.org to get FREE coaching. Coaching will happen on your time either in-person or virtually.

Coaching can only be done prior to December 2026.

Find resources on how competing works and find tips & tricks at the link below.