Poetry Out Loud
This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. Poetry Out Loud is a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts and the state and jurisdictional arts agencies.
How to get involved in Poetry Out Loud
About
Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. Poetry Out Loud is a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts and the state and jurisdictional arts agencies.
To submit your interest in participating in the 2025-2026 season, please fill out the school / organization interest form to receive regular updates and information from the Indiana Humanities team. For further information on Poetry Out Loud, visit PoetryOutLoud.org.
2025-2026 Organizer Resources
Here are some important resources for Poetry Out Loud organizers looking to develop a competition at their school or in their community:
- Poetry Out Loud Anthology of eligible poems
- Teacher and Organizer Guide
- Judges Guide
- Indiana Competition: Informational Webinar Slides
- Other resources available at https://poetryoutloud.org/
2025-2026 Important Dates
On or about November 1, 2025: POL anthology live for 2025-26 school year
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 (4:30-5:30 pm Eastern): Poetry Out Loud informational webinar with Indiana Humanities [Slides available for download.]
Thursday, November 20, 2025 (4-5 pm Eastern): Poetry Out Loud informational webinar with Indiana Humanities [Slides available for download.]
Friday, December 12, 2025: Intent to participate form due
Friday, January 30, 2026: State finalist registration deadline
Monday, February 9, 2026: Round 1+2 videos due
Saturday, February 21, 2026: Indiana State Finals
Monday, April 27-Wednesday, April 29, 2026: POL National Finals
Poetry Out Loud Highlights
Indiana Humanities announces winners of Poetry Out Loud state competition
Indiana Humanities announces the winners of the state contest of Poetry Out Loud®. The student winners are Aalihya Banks from Pike High School (Indianapolis) in first place and Kylah Hockemeyer from Eagle Tech Academy (Columbia City) in second place.
Read moreIndiana Humanities announces 2023-24 Poetry Out Loud
Join Indiana Humanities and bring the experience of Poetry Out Loud® to students throughout Indiana this school year.
Learn more
Interview with Sreepadaarchana Munjuluri
The 2023 Poetry Out Loud Champion discusses her journey to the national stage and how she uses poetry as a tool to communicate social issues on a more personal level.
Read morePartners and Funders
Questions?
Contact Megan Telligman, director of programs