Poetry Out Loud

Poetry Out Loud (POL) is a national recitation competition organized by the Tennessee Arts Commission in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation.
This literary arts program offers dynamic performance and learning opportunities for students to succeed in and beyond the classroom. The Tennessee champion will win $1,000 and represent Tennessee in the National Finals. Runners-up of both competitions will also receive cash prizes, as well as money for their school. POL is open to all public, private and homeschool students in grades 9-12 and encourages teachers of all subjects to participate.
Interested in knowing more? Download the Teacher’s Guide and contact Julia Stark, Arts Learning Specialist at julia.stark@tn.gov
2024 Tennessee Poetry Out Loud
January 13, 2024: Deadline to Register School Competition
February 1, 2024: Deadline to Register School Champion
February 1, 2024: Deadline to Apply for Travel Assistance
TBD: TN State Finals
April 30-May 2. 2024: POL National Finals in Washington, D.C.
More About POL2023-2024 School Competition Registration Form
Register by Friday, January 13, 2023
Request Free Materials
Access free online materials, and sign up to receive the Poetry Out Loud Teacher's Guide.
Access the POL Online Anthology
The 2022-2023 POL Anthology hosts over 1,100 poems!
The 2024 National POL Competition will take place April 30-May 2 in Washington, D.C.
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