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NC schools and organizations invited to register for Poetry Out Loud Competition

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North Carolina Poetry Out Loud Finalists in 2025 (from left to right): Yazid Bonilla Roman, Lillian Brumback, Alyssa Melvin, Lithemba Ncaca, Anika Ryder, and Veronica Whitney. Derick Lee/EdNC

The Oct. 30 deadline for the North Carolina Poetry Out Loud Competition is quickly approaching. 

According to the North Carolina Arts Council website, “Poetry Out Loud is a national program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts that encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation.” 

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In a press release, Jean Edwards, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte grants and partnerships manager, stated that “students learn to do much more than memorize a poem. They learn how to interpret a piece of literature, connect with an audience, and communicate with confidence. We’re excited to welcome new schools and organizations into the program this year.”

Since the program began in 2005, more than 4.6 million students and 89,000 teachers from 22,000 schools across the country have participated. 

The competition is open to students currently in ninth through 12th grade, with an exception for eighth grade students participating in a 9th-12th grade class. 

Schools and organizations that are eligible to participate included: 

  • Public, private, parochial, independent, and charter high schools 
  • Homeschool students 
  • Libraries 
  • After-school programs 
  • Nonprofit organizations and other eligible community organizations

The competition begins at the classroom level at participating schools or local level with a community organization. Winners advance to the regional and state finals, followed by nationals. 

Wake County student wins state poetry recitation competition

Last season, more than 30 students across 15 high schools and organizations statewide participated in North Carolina’s 2026 regional and state finals competitions, ultimately won by Caliyah McCall of Knightdale High School in Wake County. 

For this year’s competition, the North Carolina Regional and State Finals will be held Feb. 27, 2027 in Charlotte, hosted by the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.

The winner of the state competition will represent North Carolina at the National Poetry Out Loud Finals in Washington, D.C., for a chance to win a $20,000.

Registration for the 2026-27 program is open through Oct. 30. Click here to access information on rules and eligibility. 

If interested in participating, this registration form can be used for schools and organizations to sign up.