Writing Competition US

National Student Poet

Difficulty
4 4/5
Target Students U.S. students in grades 10–11 who earn a national Scholastic medal and apply.
Event Time September
Registration Period March

National Student Poet is one of the highest honors for youth poetry in the United States. It is an official youth poet laureate program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in partnership with the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers and the White House Office of the First Lady. Each year, a small number of high school poets are selected from thousands of applicants across the country.

History and Significance
Established in 2011, the National Student Poets Program recognizes exceptional original poetry written by high school students. Selected Student Poets serve as literary ambassadors, representing youth voices through public readings, community service, and educational outreach. They are chosen based on artistic excellence, originality, and demonstrated commitment to poetry.

Artistic Value
- Demonstrates: Exceptional creative writing and literary expression
- Highlights: Original voice, emotional depth, and mastery of language
- Represents: One of the highest national honors in youth poetry in the U.S.

Impact on College Applications
- Provides strong evidence of elite-level creative writing ability
- Highly valuable for majors such as English, Creative Writing, Journalism, and Humanities
- Enhances opportunities for admission to selective universities and writing scholarships