New Jersey Poetry Out Loud

09/10/2026

Applications close this Monday, September 14, for Bergen County’s inaugural Youth Poet Laureate. The selected high-school-aged writer will receive a $75 honorarium and participate for a year in readings, workshops, civic engagement, and community poetry initiatives. You can learn more about the national program at: https://www.youthlaureate.org/

07/09/2026

Last night, we had the joy of welcoming back Myles Charette, a 2026 New Jersey Poetry Out Loud State Finalist, as he performed during the NJSPA Banquet Dinner. Watching him command the room once again was a reminder that poetry has a way of staying with us long after the competition ends

A proud graduate of Franklin High School, Myles heads to Duke University this fall, carrying with him the same thoughtfulness, presence, and brilliance that made him such a memorable part of this year’s state finals.

Congratulations, Myles. We can’t wait to see where your words take you next. 💙

FutureBlueDevil

05/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who expressed interest in Poetry Ourselves Presents: SpeakRoots. We heard from many of you about challenges with traveling to Red Bank, and we want to make sure this opportunity remains accessible to as many students as possible.

Because of that, we are shifting this year’s program to a virtual format.

Scan the QR code or visit https://www.cognitoforms.com/TheBasie1/PoetryOurselvesPresentsSpeakRootsRegistrationForm to RSVP.

04/28/2026

04/27/2026

LET'S GO NJ! Please comment all of your good vibes to Joy as we make way to the Poetry Out Loud National Finals week. GO JOY!

04/22/2026

Congratulations are in order for Evelynn Knox, our 2026 NJPOL State Runner-Up, who took the stage at the New Jersey Theatre Alliance Curtain Call in honor of the one and only Kevin O'Brien.

Special thanks to John McEwen and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance for continuing to celebrate and uplift artists across the state.

04/13/2026

Congratulations to Joy Ogunsakin, the 2026 NJPOL State Champion who opened as a storyteller and poet for at the T Thomas Fortune House yesterday afternoon in Red Bank, NJ.

04/08/2026

2026 New Jersey Poetry Out Loud Champion Joy Ogunsakin will be headed down to DC this month to compete in the National Finals! 👏

A huge congratulations to Joy and all of our state & jurisdictional champions who will join us April 28 & 29 for the semifinals and finals. Be sure to tune in at arts.gov or come by GW's Lisner Auditorium to watch them compete!

More details at arts.gov/Poetry-Out-Loud 🎙✨

04/08/2026

Poetry Ourselves is now open for registration.

This opportunity is designed for NJPOL participants looking to deepen their relationship with poetry beyond recitation through writing, performance, and creative exploration. Participants will engage in guided workshops, connect with experienced mentors, and have the chance to share their work in a live slam setting.

Spots are limited. Register today to continue building your voice and community.

04/03/2026

Not everyone sees the work that happens before the stage.

Before the 10 AM show time, our finalists are already in motion...warming up, grounding their nerves, building community, and yes… sneaking in a few photo moments.

It’s more than a competition. It’s preparation, connection, and showing up for yourself and each other before the spotlight even hits. 🎤✨