Poetry Out Loud

Saturday, February 3, 2024  |  1: 00 pm – 2:30 pm 
CSUMB Alumni & Visitors Center
100 Campus Center, Seaside, CA
WATCH THE 2024 POETRY OUT LOUD EVENT

About Poetry Out Loud

Poetry Out Loud encourages high school students to learn about poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. Participants master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. California’s Poetry Out Loud is the largest event of its kind in the U.S., and has grown steadily since its inception.

 


The Process

This annual program starts in the fall, with high school teachers using the free Poetry Out Loud teacher’s guide to teach poetry recitation and run classroom competitions. Classroom winners advance to a school-wide competition; school winners compete at the district or county level by mid-February. County winners are then treated to an unforgettable two days at the California Poetry Out Loud State Finals in Sacramento, and a chance to compete in the national competition in Washington, D.C.

The California State Winner receives:

  • $200 cash prize and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
  • $500 for their school to purchase literary materials
  • An opportunity to compete at the National Finals for college scholarship funds (up to $100,000)

More Information

Contact Karyn Lee-Garcia, Chief Programs Officer, to learn more about Poetry Out Loud. Contact: (831) 622-9060 x102 and/or karyn@arts4mc.org.


2024 Winners

Click here to view the photos