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.
Our 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!
Friday, December 4th, 2020
5pm to 7pm PDT
Youth Poet Laureate Program Kick-Off Event, co-sponsored by the Santa Clara County Library District. The event will include a youth open mic, and will feature poets Danny Thien Le, Liala Zaray, Jarvis Subia, and Oakland's Youth Poet Laureate Greer Nakadegawa-Lee!!
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WATCH THE EVENT LIVE HERE ON FACEBOOK!
Youth Writing Workshops
January & February 2021
Students will work with a local poet as a mentor as they develop their writing and/or performance skills.
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Friday, 1/22/2021
Workshop Instructor: Jarvis Subia
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Friday, 1/29/2021
Workshop Instructors: Lorenz Dumuk & Mighty Mike McGee
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Friday, 2/5/2021
Workshop Instructor: Tshaka Campbell
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Saturday, 2/6/2021
Workshop Instructor: K. Ming Chang
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Saturday, 2/20/2021
Workshop Instructor: Jessica Gutierrez (Martha St. Zine)
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Applications Close
Make sure you submit your application before this date!
Friday, February 26th, 2021
5pm
Finalists Notified
March & April 2021
All applicants will be notified via email about the status of their applications.
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Finalists will be announced & invited to a panel interview with fellow finalists.
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Judges will select the winners based on this rubric.
Commencement Ceremony
Finalists will compete to become the 1st Santa Clara County Youth Poet Laureate!
Saturday, May 1st, 2021
5pm-7pm