Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation program that encourages the nation’s youth to learn great poetry.

Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation program that encourages the nation’s youth to learn great poetry. Through depth of learning, memorization, and performance, the program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. Poetry Out Loud builds on the spoken word as an art form, inviting the dynamic aspects of slam poetry, spoken word, contextual analysis, and theater into the classroom. 

Nationwide, the program involves 365,000 students annually and awards $50,000 in scholarships. Funding comes from The Poetry Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts, and is awarded to each State Arts Council to carry out a statewide program.

In New Hampshire, any high school — public, private, or parochial, as well as home school groups — are welcomed to participate. There is no charge to compete and materials are provided.

Year after year, students, parents and educators tell us that the most important aspect of the Poetry Out Loud program is the recognition and introduction to poetry. To be identified as a talented reciter and presenter of great poetry is an experience that changes lives, broadens ideas about the future, bolsters confidence and provides a wonderful sense of accomplishments. To be invited to present and recite poetry at the NH State House, Representatives’ Hall is an honor and memory of a lifetime.