Poetry Out Loud offers high school students a chance to compete!

Jackson College invites area high school students to take the stage and bring poetry to life during Poetry Out Loud, a dynamic poetry recitation competition coming to Jackson College on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 9 a.m. in Bert Walker Hall, Room 144.

In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the 2025–26 Poetry Out Loud program will highlight poems that celebrate the diverse history and culture of the United States. Students will perform selected works and be judged on voice, articulation, understanding, and accuracy.

Presented in partnership with Michigan Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation, Poetry Out Loud encourages students to engage deeply with literature, build confidence, and strengthen their public speaking skills. Since its creation in 2005, more than 4.4 million students nationwide have participated in this inspiring celebration of the spoken word.

The winner of Jackson College’s local competition will advance to the state Poetry Out Loud competition in Lansing in March 2026 (date TBD). The state champion will receive $200 and represent Michigan at the national finals in Washington, D.C., where $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be distributed. The Poetry Foundation provides and administers all aspects of the national prizes and travel arrangements. To register for the local competition at Jackson College, contact Holly Taylor at taylorholly@jccmi.edu.  For more information about the national program, visit PoetryOutLoud.org or contact Katie Wittenauer at kwittenauer@mihumanities.org.