Teenagers are invited to apply to become the next teen poet laureate of Suffolk County.
The successful applicant will serve from June 1-May 31, 2026, and help create opportunities to promte and bring poetry by younger residents into the community.
To be eligible, applicants must be:
- Suffolk County residents
- Ages 13 through 19.
- Entrants should be able to serve a 2-year term from June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2026.
The application packet must be submitted by a junior high or high school teacher on the student’s behalf and must include:
- Teacher’s letter of recommendation.
- 3 poems, each no longer than 60 lines, any form, style, or topic.
- A short CV documenting:
- candidate’s leadership and civic engagement, such as an activity (formal or informal) promoting the quality of life in their school or community and demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusiveness.
- Evidence of past literary publication and awards will be considered but Is not a requirement.
- Letter of recommendation, poems, CV, and cover letter should all be submitted in one Word file (not a PDF file nor in the body of the e-mail.)
Packets must be received by email at [email protected]
The current teen laureate and a panel of former laureates will select the next Teen Laureate and finalists, whom will be invited to participate in a celebration at the Walt Whitman Birthplace in 2024.
Contact [email protected] for questions about the application process.