Long Beach teens with a knack for poetry and a passion for activism are getting a shot to step into the spotlight. The Long Beach Public Library, in collaboration with the Arts Council for Long Beach and Urban Word NYC, has kicked off applications for the 2024 Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) program, aimed at young residents ages 13 to 18 looking to make a difference through their words and deeds.
From Jan. 15 to Feb. 28, aspiring young poets can submit their work to join the ranks of Long Beach's poetic change-makers. "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," Mayor Rex Richardson said, as reported by the City of Long Beach. Applicants need to quickly get their acts together by submitting a portfolio of five poems and a CV highlighting their civic engagement.
The program comes off the heels of the 2023 success story when Claire Beeli, a Wilson High School senior, was named the city's first-ever Youth Poet Laureate. The YPL initiative, a brainchild started in New York in 2008 and now spread over 70 communities nationwide, is part of a larger movement to integrate arts and activism among the nation's youth. Last year's winners didn't just enjoy their titles; they were featured in citywide events, got involved in workshops, and more, proving that poetry can transcend beyond the page.
Griselda Suárez, Executive Director of the Arts Council, mentioned the significance this program has for awakening a lifelong commitment to the arts and civic life. "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," Suárez told the City of Long Beach newsroom. Youth hopefuls should prepare to start, well ahead of time, with virtual office hours avaialable to help with any CV or portfolio-related queries.
The up-and-comers will be vetted by a local panel of poets, with finalists notified by April 13, and the chosen ones announced in May at a public event. The title of Youth Poet Laureate comes with a $1,500 scholarship, while runner-up Poet Ambassadors receive $500 each. But the program isn't just about the money; participants gain mentorship, develop community projects, and immerse themselves in the literary arts scene, something Long Beach Library Director Cathy De Leon insists amplifies "our commitment to literacy, creativity and community engagement."
Long Beach has always been a nurturing ground for culture and community. Home to approximately 466,000 residents, the city boasts a wealth of attractions like the Queen Mary and Aquarium of the Pacific. More details on the YPL program and how to apply can be found on the City of Long Beach's website, where the next chapter of Long Beach's youth poetry saga eagerly waits to be written.
