Howard County Youth Poet Laureate

The Howard County Youth Poet Laureate program is an initiative that celebrates and amplifies youth expression through poetry and literary arts. Developed in partnership between the Howard County Arts Council, the Howard County Poetry & Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo), and the Office of County Executive Calvin Ball, this honorary position promotes community engagement, literacy, and the arts across Howard County. The individual selected for this role will act as a literary ambassador, using poetry as a medium to connect and inspire community members through public readings and civic participation. The Youth Poet Laureate position spans from August 2025 through June 2026. The selected laureate will receive a total honorarium of $500, issued in two $250 installments at the beginning and end of their term. During the tenure, the laureate is expected to participate in five to eight civic or community events, including notable local events such as the Blackbird Poetry Festival and HoCoPoLitSo’s Wilde Reading Series. Engagements may also include readings for the County Executive and other County departments, and participation in social media efforts related to program activities. Following their term, the laureate may also serve on future selection panels. Eligibility is limited to individuals aged 14 to 21 who reside in Howard County or are able to attend events in the county throughout the term. Applicants must demonstrate a passion for poetry, community engagement in the arts, and must be the creators of their submitted original poetic works. Immediate family members of staff or board members from HCAC or HoCoPoLitSo are ineligible. Applicants may not serve consecutive terms. Applications must be submitted through the Submittable platform and include three to five poems in a single PDF document (maximum of 10 pages), a performance video (no longer than five minutes), a biography, a personal statement on the role of poetry, and one or two recommendation letters. The application period opens on January 16, 2025, and closes on April 24, 2025. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of literary professionals and educators who evaluate applicants based on five criteria: mechanics and technique, clarity, style and lyricism, imagery, and resonance. Finalists may be invited for interviews, and the County Executive will make the ultimate selection. Award notifications are expected in August 2025, with a public announcement following in September 2025. Questions about the application can be directed to the Howard County Arts Council via email at grantsandprojects@hocoarts.org or by phone at (410) 313-2787 during weekday business hours.

Strong emphasis on poetic technique, clarity, lyricism, imagery, and emotional resonance; follow work sample instructions carefully; ensure file naming and format compliance.