Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone age 13-19 (at the time of submission) living in Loudoun, Fairfax, Clarke and Fauquier Counties.

• Eligible poets can apply beginning September 2025. A link will be available on this page to submit a portfolio online. The submission deadline is November 30.
• Submission Materials include:
  • Contact information
  • A portfolio of 3 poems in a PDF or Word Doc
  • Resume/curriculum vitae (CV) information. In order to collect the CV/resume information, there are text fields for contestants to “celebrate themselves” and enter information regarding school and extracurricular participation, community and civic engagement, awards and accolades, and more. Uploading a CV or resume document is no longer required.
  • There are also additional survey questions that help Urban Word develop a better understanding of the young people they serve. These questions will not affect applicant scores.

• Work on writing, revising, and polishing so you will have 3 finished poems by the next application period.
• Think about the ways you are engaged in your community: Do you volunteer? Do you lead a club at your school? Are you civically engaged in some way? These will be good things to list on your CV. 

• During the summer of 2026, the Loudoun Youth Poet Laureate will join other Youth Poets Laureate in a series of activities offered by Urban Word, including:
  • Online Youth Poet Laureate summer camp, including writing workshops with celebrated poets and activism training
  • Regional readings with other Youth Poets Laureate
• In addition, the Loudoun Youth Poet Laureate will receive:
  • $1,000 scholarship 
  • a copy of The Loudoun Guide
  • Eligibility to apply to be the National Youth Poet Laureate in Fall 2026 and each year until they turn 19
  • The opportunity to give readings of their work once or more throughout the year, including at the Loudoun Youth Poet Laureate final event, in April 2026.

• The Laureate will be asked to read at the Loudoun Youth Poet Laureate final event (April 2026). 
• The Laureate may be asked to read at other events hosted by Loudoun Community Press. Participation in these is optional, but they will be great opportunities for the Laureate to engage with the literary arts community.