Applications accepted through February 28 for youth ages 13 to 18

The Long Beach Public Library (LBPL), in partnership with the Arts Council for Long Beach and supported by Urban Word NYC, is launching the 2024 Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) program. Applications for the program, which brings Long Beach youth the opportunity to enact positive change in their communities through their activism and art, opened Monday, Jan. 15 to Long Beach residents ages 13 to 18.

“Our Youth Poet Laureate program celebrates the diversity of voices within our community and empowers youth to enact positive change through their activism and art,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “I encourage local youth to share their voice by participating in this program.”

The National YPL program, which began in New York in 2008, is currently active in over 70 communities across the country. Long Beach became one of these communities in 2023, when Claire Beeli, currently a senior at Wilson High School, was named Long Beach’s inaugural Youth Poet Laureate at a ceremony in June. Beeli and four Youth Poet Advocates, also named at the ceremony, have since been featured in workshops, poetry readings, and other events throughout the city.

“The Arts Council is very excited that the YPL program is returning for another year. This program is such an incredible start to lifelong civic engagement. Poetry and art, more broadly, can empower the next generation to be change-makers and engaged participants in their communities. These students are civic artists now, and that is truly amazing,” said Arts Council Executive Director Griselda Suárez.

Youth interested in applying are asked to submit a YPL application, curriculum vitae noting their civic and social engagement experience, and a portfolio of five poems. The application, templates and submission guidelines, as well as additional program information, are available on the YPL website. Applicants with questions may email Jessica Perez at Jessica.Perez@longbeach.gov or attend virtual office hours where they can receive assistance with the process of compiling their curriculum vitae and portfolio.

“This initiative amplifies our commitment to literacy, creativity and community engagement. I invite Long Beach residents ages 13 to 18 to embrace this opportunity, tapping into the resources and support our library offers. Together, we’ll foster a space where the power of words and expression transforms lives and shapes the cultural fabric of our community,” said Library Director Cathy De Leon.

Submissions will be judged by a panel of local working poets and finalists will be notified by April 13. Finalists will be invited to read at a culminating public event in May where the next Youth Poet Laureate and Poet Ambassadors will be announced. The selected Poet Laureate will receive a $1,500 scholarship and the Poet Ambassador runners-up will each receive a $500 scholarship.

In addition to scholarships, the YPL Cohort will be mentored by a local poet and be given access to resources to bring their community projects to life and shape Long Beach’s future. These resources will include access to LBPL’s facilities and staff, craft workshops, and support from community organizations and the local literary-arts community. Each cohort member will also be given the opportunity to create and present a workshop on the poetry topic of their choice. By the end of the program year in April 2025, the YPL Cohort will have created a citywide literary initiative and have made personal connections with organizations and individual partners throughout the city.

For more information, visit the LBPL website or call 562.570.7500.