Click here for Registration Information:  2016 HR Youth Poet Laureate Registration Booklet


Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureate

Submit your application by March 25, 2016.

The Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureate is a joint program of Teens with a Purpose, Hampton Roads Youth Poets, and in partnership with Urban Word, supported by PEN Center USA and the Academy of American Poets.

The Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureate program aims to identify young writers and leaders who are committed to civic and community engagement, poetry and performance, and leadership and education across Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, and Suffolk.

From January 1-March 25, Teens with a Purpose will accept submissions from young poets, rappers, leaders and activists ages 14-19 from across Hampton Roads who are interested in representing our area as the Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureate. A group of esteemed judges will select one teen to be honored with the title of Hampton Road Youth Poet Laureate on Friday, May 5th at 6pm at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Virginia Beach. Along with winning the prestigious title of Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureate, the winning poet will also win a book deal from Penmanship Books to publish their first collection of poems, as well as a library tour.

The Hampton Roads Youth Poet Laureate will have numerous opportunities and platforms to share their powerful voices, their leadership, and love of Hampton Roads at numerous events. See pamphlet for more information, how to apply and contest rules!

Raven will be releasing her first ever published book with original poetry.