Poetry Out Loud

Poetry Out Loud encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. California Poet Laureate Dana Gioia created the Poetry Out Loud program during his tenure as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts.

Poetry Out Loud has grown every year with millions of students participating across the country. California features the largest, most exciting state competition of all. The 2017 California Poetry Out Loud State Finals took place in March 2017 in Sacramento.

You can often find local Poetry Out Loud high school champions joining Dana Gioia at events on his 58-County California Tour.

Click here to learn more about the California Arts Council’s Poetry Out Loud program >>