Voices from a new age group are being given the opportunity to spread poetry across California.
Applications are now open for the state’s first Teen Poet Laureate. California residents between the ages of 13 and 19 can apply for the position’s two-year term now through November 30.
“We are so excited to launch this initiative and to amplify a voice from California’s young generation today that will shape our state tomorrow,” California Arts Council Executive Director Danielle Brazell said when announcing the position.
This role will provide young poets the opportunity to promote literary arts and engage with diverse communities throughout California.
The teen selected by the Governor will receive a $10,000 annual stipend, and will be responsible for providing a minimum of six public readings. In addition, the teen will develop a poetry-specific project in collaboration with the California Poet Laureate that will bring literary arts to California students with limited poetry exposure.
California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick has been inspired by young voices during his term. “Our collective dreaming for the future of this state would be incomplete without their voices at the table,” Herrick says. “I look forward to working with the inaugural Teen Poet Laureate.”
The selection process requires a letter of application, biography, résumé, parent or guardian permission, and three original works.