Santa Clara County
Youth Poet Laureate
Program
The Santa Clara County Youth Poet Laureate program is youth-centered program to celebrate literacy and self-literacy through poetry and connect young writers to opportunities for performances and community collaborations
Each year, we will accept applications from talented Santa Clara County writers (ages 13-18) to join a community of young poets. The Laureate earns an educational scholarship. The Laureate will, and all the Finalists are invited to, serve as ambassadors for literacy, arts and youth expression with ongoing opportunities for performances, projects, and peer support.
Every applicant will be invited to stay in connection with the SCC Youth Poet Laureate community.
Schedule
All are welcome to attend! BIPOC and LGBTQ youth encouraged!
Below you will find everything that’s planned and when it’s all taking place. Feel free to reach out with questions.
Kick-off event!
Saturday, January 27th, 2024
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Mexican Heritage Plaza
1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San José, 95116
Featuring:
SCC Youth Poets Laureate and SCC Poets Laureate Emeriti Tshaka Campbell and Janice Lobo Sapigao!
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Youth Writing Workshops
February & March 2024
Students will work with a local poet as a mentor as they develop their writing and/or performance skills.
Please save these dates!
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Sunday, 2/18/2024
Time: TBA
Roy's Station Coffee & Tea
197 Jackson Street, San José, 95112
Instructor: Nisha Shenoy
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“Somatic Poetry Workshop”
Course description TBA
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Sunday, 3/3/2024
11:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
History Park, 1650 Senter Road, San José. 95112
"Color Our Future"
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Led by Local Color
During the Paint Picnic, participants will be invited to fill in a mural design created by an artist on a large canvas. The canvas can then be displayed and shared throughout the community. The design of the canvas will be based on a poem created by Youth Poet Laureate members.
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REGISTER HERE
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Saturday, 3/9/2024
11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Venue TBA
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"Parents Helping Parents Workshop"
Course description TBA
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Applications for SCC Youth Poet Laureate Opens
Friday, March 1st, 2024 (12:00 a.m.)
Applications for SCC Youth Poet Laureate Closes
EXTENDED! New deadline is April 15th, 11:59 p.m.
Finalists Notified
Late April 2024
All applicants will be notified via email about the status of their applications.
Finalists will be announced & invited to a panel interview with fellow finalists.
Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, June 15th, 2024
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
TeaLyfe, 989 Story Road, Unit 8018, San José 95122
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Finalists will do a final reading; we'll learn who will become the 2nd Santa Clara County Youth Poet Laureate!