Lifting poetry off the page — and into the voices of the next generation.
Poetry Out Loud is a national high school poetry recitation competition developed by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. This free program teaches students about poetry through memorization and recitation — helping them discover the power of language, voice, and performance.
Since the program began in 2005, more than 4.5 million high school students across the country have participated. Poetry Out Loud helps students improve public speaking skills, build confidence, and grow their appreciation for one of literature's oldest and most powerful art forms.
The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge is proud to bring Poetry Out Loud to high school students in our region — connecting them to a national community of young poets and speakers.
WHY IT MATTERS
Poetry Out Loud does something rare — it creates community and connection through words. When a student stands up and recites a poem from memory, they're not just performing. They're finding their voice.
Interested in Participating?
We’re interested in several forms of participation from schools and their students, judges, hosts, and workshop guides. If any of these positions interest you, fill out the form below!
