2017-2018 Poetry Out Loud : National Recitation Contest

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with the California Arts

Council to support 2018 Poetry Out Loud, a FREE high school program which 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.

HOW DO I GET MY STUDENTS INVOLVED?

In order to compete, schools must register through the state contact listed below. All materials and resources will be provided. Competitions will begin in fall 2017 at the school or classroom level to identify one student winner to represent their school at the regional or state finals. The state finals competition will be held on March 4-5, 2018 to determine the state winner representing California at the National Finals in Washington, DC.

Each winner at the state level will receive:

1. A $200 cash prize and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, DC

2. A $500 cash stipend for their school to purchase poetry materials

3. An opportunity to compete at the 2018 National Finals for the title of National Champion and a    $20,000 prize

Dates:

December 1, 2017 — Final participation sign up deadline for schools

February, 2018 — San Bernardino County Competition will be February 3rd

March 4-5, 2018 — State Finals Competition

April 23-25, 2018 — Poetry Out Loud National Finals

Please refer to the attachment for Poerty Out Loud Teacher’s Guide and PR Toolkits.

For more information or to register your school, please email info@artsconnectionnetwork.org