Howard County Arts Council is seeking young people to apply for the 2025-2026 Howard County Youth Poet Laureate position, with applications due on April 24, 2025.
In October 2023, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball established the position of Youth Poet Laureate to amplify the power of youth expression, celebrate community, and promote literary arts in Howard County. The Howard County Arts Council runs this program with Howard County Poetry & Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo).
The Youth Poet Laureate is an ambassador for literacy, arts, and youth expression for Howard County. Through local public readings, and by participating in civic events, they share their passion for poetry and show how it connects our communities.
Holding the official title of Youth Poet Laureate involves serving a term from August 2025 through June 2026 and comes with an honorarium of $500 paid in two equal installments of $250 at the beginning and end of their term.
To apply, applicants must be a current Howard County resident, and either live in Howard County, between August 2025 and June 2026 or be available to present in-person at public events in Howard County during this timeframe. They must also be between the ages of 14 (and a freshman in high school) and 21 when they apply. Applicants should demonstrate community engagements in the arts and have created an original poetic work of their own.
For more information about the application process and the duties required of the Howard County Youth Poet Laureate, click this link.
