Poetry Out Loud

Poetry Out Loud offers high school students a chance to compete! Jackson College invites area high school students to participate in a dynamic poetry recitation competition.

In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the 2025-2026 Poetry Out Loud program will focus on poems that celebrate the rich tapestry of American history and culture. Judges will evaluate performance based on voice, articulation, understanding and accuracy. Presented in partnership with Michigan Humanities, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation — this competition lifts poetry off the page, creating community and connection. Through this program, high school students participate and improve their public speaking skills, build confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. Since the program began in 2005, more than 4.4 million students across the country have participated in Poetry Out Loud.

The winner of JC’s local competition will advance to the state Poetry Out Loud competition in Lansing in March 2026 (precise dates TBD). The state champion will receive $200 and will advance to the national finals next spring in Washington, D.C., where $50,000 in awards and school/organizational stipends will be distributed. The Poetry Foundation provides and administers all aspects of the monetary prizes awarded and travel arrangements for the Poetry Out Loud National Finals.

To learn more about the Poetry Out Loud competition, contact Katie Wittenauer (kwittenauer@mihumanities.org) or visit PoetryOutLoud.org.

To sign up for our local competition at Jackson College, contact Holly Taylor (taylorholly@jccmi.edu).