Poetry Out Loud 2025

Poetry Out Loud (POL) is a national competition that seeks to foster the next generation of literary readers by capitalizing on the latest trends in poetry - recitation and performance. The program builds on the resurgence of the oral art form of poetry, as seen in the slam poetry and spoken word movements. The program invites these dynamic aspects into the classroom, where teachers engage students through classroom memorization, performances, and competition.

The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation partnered with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) to support Poetry Out Loud, a FREE high school program that encourages the nation's youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This dynamic program helps high school students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, learn about their literary heritage, and compete for more than $100,000 in awards.

Participating Schools:
Ballou Senior High School
Bard Early College DC
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School
Capital City PCS
Cesar Chavez PCS
DC International
The Duke Ellington School of the Arts
H.D Woodson
Jah Kente International
KIPP DC College Prep
St. Anselm’s Abbey School
Washington Latin PCS

For reasonable accommodation requests regarding access and inclusion, please contact David Markey ([email protected]), no later than 5 business days before the start of this event.

Host or Publisher DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH)