DMV Youth Poet Laureate Program
A poetry, performance and leadership program amplifying the voices of young writers across Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.
About the DMV Youth Poet Laureate Program
The DMV Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) Program is a joint program of Urban Word NYC and Words Beats & Life Inc., with support from local government and partnering organizations. The program identifies young writers and leaders committed to civic and community engagement, artistic excellence, human relations, youth activism, diversity and education across the region.
Want to learn more? Download the DMV Youth Poet Laureate Program brochure.
Youth Poet Laureate Opportunities & Benefits
As a Youth Poet Laureate, you'll have opportunities to:
Earn paid performance opportunities
Earn up to $2,000 stipend
Gain media exposure and participate in interviews and other media opportunities
Perform at libraries, festivals, community events and other venues throughout the region
Become a published author with your own poetry chapbook
Develop and lead an awareness campaign around an issue that matters to you
Build your skills through mentorship, professional development and performance opportunities
Be considered for opportunities such as the Kennedy Center Youth Council
“Being the previous Youth Poet Laureate of Arlington and inaugural Youth Poet Laureate of Virginia has been the most rewarding experience. I have received the opportunity to work with a diverse network of individuals who are fellow YPL’s, partnering with them to create events for the community at-large. Additionally, I have performed at venues across Virginia and D.C., judged poetry competitions, and featured in several readings. While learning from my YPL peers and the incredible WBL team was very rewarding, the most valuable experience was definitely launching my own poetry chapbook. In its creation I was forced to conquer my fears about my identity and instill truth and sincerity in every page - an endeavor that has benefitted me even a year later. ”
Youth Poet Laureate Eligibility
The DMV Youth Poet Laureate program is open to young poets, emcees and creative writers ages 13–19
who live in one of the communities represented by the program.
Youth Poet Laureate titles are awarded for:
Washington, D.C.
Northern Virginia
Montgomery County, Maryland
The state of Maryland
Maryland State Youth Poet Laureate applicants do not need to have previously served as a local or regional Youth Poet Laureate to apply.
Youth Poet Laureate Applications
Application periods vary by Youth Poet Laureate title.
Washington, D.C., Montgomery County & Northern Virginia
Applications Open: Sept. 15
Applications Close: Nov. 15
Maryland State Youth Poet Laureate
Applications Open: Feb. 1
Applications Close: Feb. 28
What You'll Need to Apply
We recommend preparing these materials before you begin:
Up to five original poems
Accepted file types: PDF, DOC or DOCXA video of yourself performing your work
Upload an MP4, MOV or MPEG video file or provide a public video link.A short bio or résumé highlighting your interests and accomplishments, including community service or volunteer experience, extracurricular activities and awards
Accepted file types: PDF, DOC or DOCXYour poetry or creative arts public Instagram account or other social media profile, if applicable
What Happens After You Apply?
Submissions are reviewed by a panel of judges who assign a numerical score to each application. Selected applicants may be invited to participate in an interview, and finalists may be invited to perform their work as part of the final selection process.
Questions About Applying?
Have questions about eligibility, application materials or which Youth Poet Laureate title you should apply for?
Contact Words Beats & Life Director of Poetry Patrick Washington at dop@wblinc.org
Meet the 2026 Youth Poet Laureates
These young writers represent the next generation of poets, storytellers and cultural leaders from across the DMV. Throughout their term, they'll write, perform, publish and use their voices to engage the communities they represent.
Explore each poet's profile and watch their exclusive mini-documentary.
2026
Beamlak
2026 Maryland State
Youth Poet Laureate
Kayla N.
2026 Washington, D.C.
Youth Poet Laureate
Sosena A.
2026 Montgomery County, Maryland
Youth Poet Laureate
Krisha D.
2026 Northern Virginia
Youth Poet Laureate
2025
Neha K.
2025 Washington, D.C.
Youth Poet Laureate
Lily S.
2025 Montgomery County, Maryland Youth Poet Laureate
Chelsea Z.
2025 Maryland State
Youth Poet Laureate
2024
Yishak Yohannes Yebio
2024 Washington, D.C.
Youth Poet Laureate
Tara P.
2024 Montgomery County, Maryland
Youth Poet Laureate
Mia D.
2024 Arlington County, Virginia
Youth Poet Laureate
2023
Sophia H.
2023 Washington, D.C.
Youth Poet Laureate
Allison X.
2023 Montgomery County, Maryland
Youth Poet Laureate
Ribka D.
2023 Arlington County, Virginia
Youth Poet Laureate
2022
Sarina P.
2022 Washington, D.C.
Youth Poet Laureate
Kashvi R.
2022 Arlington County, Virginia
Youth Poet Laureate
Elana E.
2022 Montgomery County, Maryland
Youth Poet Laureate
2021
Amiri N.
2021 Washington, D.C.
Youth Poet Laureate
Sasa A.
2021 Montgomery County, Maryland
Youth Poet Laureate
Amasa M.
2021 Arlington County, Virginia
Youth Poet Laureate
2016-2020
Marjan N.
2020 Washington, D.C.
Youth Poet Laureate
Gabriela O.
2019 Washington, D.C.
Youth Poet Laureate
Aniyah S.
2018 Washington, D.C.
Youth Poet Laureate
Kenny Carroll III
2017 Washington, D.C.
Youth Poet Laureate
Malachi B.
2016 Washington, D.C.
Youth Poet Laureate
The Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) Program is a joint program of Urban Word NYC and Words Beats & Life Inc., with support from local government & partnering organizations, which aims to identify young writers and leaders who are committed to civic and community engagement, artistic excellence, human relations, youth activism, diversity and education across the region.