Long Beach, CA ~ # Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate applications open Nov. 14

The Long Beach Public Library will accept applications for its 2027-28 Youth Poet Laureate program from Nov. 14 through Feb. 28, 2027.

The program, run with the Arts Council for Long Beach, Long Beach Forward and Rancho Los Alamitos, is open to Long Beach residents ages 13 to 18. It gives young people opportunities to develop their poetry, take part in civic and community activities, and connect with local artists and organizations.

Applicants must submit an application, a résumé highlighting civic and social engagement, a 100-word biography and a portfolio of five poems. Local poets will review submissions, and finalists will be notified by email in spring 2027. They will be invited to perform at a public event in May, when the city's fifth Youth Poet Laureate and four Poet Ambassadors will be announced.

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The Youth Poet Laureate will receive a $1,500 scholarship, and each ambassador will receive $500. Cohort members will also receive mentorship from a local poet and take part in workshops, writing feedback and community projects. The program year will conclude in April 2028.

Long Beach joined the national Youth Poet Laureate program in 2023. At the May 2026 finals, Long Beach Polytechnic High School junior Ajala Sen was named the city's fourth laureate. Poet Ambassadors Ruby Giles, Cecelia Rogers, Annali Bojorquez and Kieran Lundy joined Sen in the cohort, mentored by local poet Nancy Woo.

Application requirements and submission instructions are available on the Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate webpage. Applicants seeking help with their materials can email the program team to arrange a virtual office hour. For more information, visit the Long Beach Public Library website or call 562-570-7500.

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