Youth Poet Laureate

Become the next Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) and seize a prestigious opportunity that amplifies your voice and ignites change. If you’re a poet, emcee, or creative writer aged 13 to 19 in Washington, D.C., Arlington, VA, or Montgomery County, MD, now is the time to step up. As a DMV YPL, you’ll not only learn how to monetize your art but also inspire others.

Join the ranks of trailblazers like Amanda Gorman and Kashvi Ramani, and kickstart your career in creative writing, performance, and community activism.

Don’t wait—start your journey today with the DMV Youth Poet Laureate program, brought to you by Words Beats & Life, Inc. and Urban Word, NY.

Learn about our Youth Poet Laureate Program

Curious, what it takes to become a Regional Youth Poet Laureate in D.C., Maryland or Virginia, and what the perks of being a YPL are? Download our free informational brouchure to learn more.

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“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. ”

— KASHVI RAMANI 2022 ARLINGTON CO / 2023 VIRGINIA STATE YPL

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 & community engagement, artistic excellence, human relations, youth activism, diversity and education across the region.