Poetry Out Loud – San Joaquin County 2026

Poetry Out Loud (POL) is a national arts education program created by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. Each year, POL engages over 100,000 students across the country in the dynamic practice of poetry recitation.

The program encourages students to learn about both classic and contemporary poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. By taking part, students strengthen public speaking and communication skills, build confidence, and deepen their appreciation for literature and the arts.

Locally, Poetry Out Loud is coordinated by the Stockton Art League and the San Joaquin County Office of Education, in partnership with the California Arts Council and Amador Arts Council.

An Invitation to Students and Teachers

Students: Do you love poetry? Performing? Or just want to try something new?
Join other students for the Poetry Out Loud competition—a chance to step up, present powerful poems, and maybe even make it all the way to the National stage in Washington, D.C.!

Teachers: Poetry Out Loud is designed to integrate easily into your classroom. With free lesson plans, resources, and an official anthology of poems, it offers a ready-made way to support student growth in language, performance, and confidence. Whether as a unit or an independent project, POL provides your students with an opportunity to shine.

Eligibility

Open to all San Joaquin County high school students (public, private, charter, and homeschool).

Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026 – 11:59 PM PST

Competition Process

• Round 1 – Application by Video
  Students submit a video recitation of a poem selected from the official Poetry Out Loud anthology.
  Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026 – 11:59 PM PST
• Round 2 – County Finals (Live Competition)
  The top 10 submissions will be selected to compete live.
  Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
  Location: Chartville 1 and Chartville 2, 2707 Transworld Drive, Stockton, CA 95206
• State Finals – California Poetry Out Loud
  Dates: Sunday, March 15 – Monday, March 16, 2026
  Location: (Sacramento, CA)

Why Participate?

• Builds confidence in public speaking and live performance
• Encourages students to engage deeply with poetry and language
• Opens doors to artistic expression and leadership opportunities
• Provides pathways to recognition at the state and national levels