L-R: 2020 Poetry Out Loud Champion Dalia Elkhatib; 2020 finalists
About the Program
Poetry Out Loud encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.
All materials and resources will be provided. Any public or private high school in the state is welcome and encouraged to participate. Homeschooled students may participate by joining in a registered high school's competition or by organizing a contest with other homeschooled students.
How It Works
Competitions at the school or classroom level will be held during the fall semester to identify one student winner who will represent their school at the state finals and compete for the chance to represent Indiana at the National Finals in Washington, D.C. in April.
- $200 cash prize
- All expense paid trip to Washington, D.C.
- $500 for their school to purchase literary materials
- Opportunity to compete at the National Finals for college scholarship funds
How to Get Involved
For information and questions, contact the Poetry Out Loud State Coordinator Angela Downs at adowns@library.in.gov or 317-232-3692.
Helpful links
- 2020 Photo Album
- Find Poems & Poets
- Past Indiana State Champions
- Watch recordings of the National finalists
Sponsors
This event is made possible by the Indiana Arts Commission, Indiana Department of Education, Indiana State Library, Indiana State Library Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation.
2-24-2020