Youth Poet Laureate
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.
2024
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2016
Words Beats & Life coordinates the local DC chapter of this program and ensures each DC Youth Poet Laureate receives a book deal, a performance tour throughout the city, and professional development resources. Gabriela is the fourth ever DC Youth Poet Laureate following 3rd year’s champion, Aniya Smith, the second champion, Kenny Carroll, and the inaugural, Malachi Byrd. Register to compete to become next year’s DC Youth Poet Laureate by filling in the registration form on this page. Good luck!
After an application and an extensive interview process, the top scoring finalists will perform & be honored, with the highest scoring poet named Youth Poet Laureate
The winning poet will:
-Perform on tour at all busboys and poets DC locations and various DC Public Libraries
-Perform at Library of Congress and at Planet Word during National Poetry Month in April
-Serve on the Youth Advisory Board for the John F. Kennedy Center
-Publish an original book through Words Beats & Life upon program completion
Email our Poetry Director at dop@wblinc.org for more info.