Berkeley Youth Poet Laureate 2027

Berkeley Public Library

Open · Deadline Oct 30, 2026 · Berkeley, CA — local residents or students

Represent Berkeley through poetry, public performances and a community arts project. Applicants must be ages 13–18 on January 1, 2027 AND live in Berkeley or attend school there. This is a local civic and writing opportunity, not a remote national competition. Apply September 1–October 30, 2026 through the library's linked form. Prepare basic contact information, a resume/CV, and THREE original poems totaling no more than 10 pages. The resume may include school, work, civic engagement, social justice, awards and other skills; beginners can leave irrelevant sections blank but must submit a resume. A template is provided. The laureate and vice laureate serve for the 2027 calendar year, perform at library and city events, participate in writing workshops and help build a youth writing community. They may also represent Berkeley in the National Youth Poet Laureate competition. Questions: youthpoet@berkeleyca.gov.