Quick Summary
Submissions are now open for the Minnesota Youth Poet Laureate (MYPL), a statewide initiative seeking to highlight young poets.
The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Minnesota Youth Poet Laureate (MYPL) program, a new statewide initiative recognizing and uplifting exceptional young poets ages 13–19.
Part of a national network in partnership with Urban Word, the Minnesota Youth Poet Laureate program celebrates youth who demonstrate artistic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to civic engagement through poetry. The selected laureate will represent Minnesota at public events, engage with communities across the state, and participate in national youth poetry convenings.
Applications open February 1–28, 2026, to Minnesota residents ages 13-19. Applicants submit original poetry and a creative résumé through the national application platform. The Minnesota Youth Poet Laureate will be announced in late April 2026.
We ask that you share this opportunity through your networks and directly encourage young people to apply. With your help, we can ensure this program reaches youth from across Minnesota.
For more information and application details, visit the Minnesota Humanities Center website. Reach out to corey@mnhum.org for any questions.
