California Arts Council - California Teen Poet Laureate → California

The California Teen Poet Laureate (TPL for short) is a new position established under California law. This young artist will be an advocate for poetry in the Golden State and will represent the state and the California Arts Council (CAC) at events throughout their two-year term.

To be considered, you must be a teenaged poet (ages 13-19, inclusive) living in California and submit an application to the California Arts Council by November 30, 2025. The applications will be reviewed by a panel of three literary experts who will submit finalists to the Governor. The Governor will then appoint California’s First Teen Poet Laureate!

Upon assuming the office, the Teen Poet Laureate will begin a two-year term advocating for poetry across California. The Teen Poet Laureate (and their parent/guardian, if the individual is a minor) will work with the California Arts Council (CAC) on a series of events and projects related to the position. The governing legislation for this position requires the TPL to:

• Provide a minimum of six public readings during their term
• Undertake a specific poetry project that will last through the term
• Other activities as agreed upon by the TPL, their parent/guardian, and the CAC

There are opportunities for the TPL to be involved in numerous CAC activities, like events with the California Poet Laureate, the California Poetry Out Loud competition, and other CAC outreach activities. The TPL will also have the opportunity to work with the Governor’s Office, the state legislature, and other offices of California state and local government.