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 2, 2024: Deadline to Apply for Travel Assistance 

March 1-2, 2024: TN State Finals

April 30-May 2. 2024: POL National Finals in Washington, D.C. 

More About POL

2023-2024 School Competition Registration Form

Register by January 13, 2024

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 2023-2024 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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