Calling All Young Poets Across New York State!

Are you ready to share your words with the world?

The Poetry Society of New York is thrilled to announce the launch of our annual Youth Poetry Contest—a celebration of creativity, talent, and the transformative power of poetry. If you’re a writer under 18 living in New York State, this is your moment to take the stage, raise your voice, and shine.

At PSNY, we believe poetry belongs to everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just discovering the art of words, we want to hear from you. With no theme to hold you back, you’re free to let your imagination soar! Submit your best work in any form or on any subject and show us the unique way you see the world.

Prizes & Opportunities

Winning poets will receive more than just recognition—they’ll gain a platform to share their work with the vibrant poetry community:

First Place: $300

Second Place: $200

Third Place: $100

Additionally, all three winning poets will:

Be published in Milk Press, the publishing arm of PSNY.

Perform their work on the youth stage at the renowned New York City Poetry Festival on Governors Island.

Imagine your words echoing across the island, surrounded by fellow poets, art lovers, and an audience eager to celebrate your creativity.

How to Enter

Prepare a selection of 3-5 pages of original poetry, with each new poem starting on a separate page. Please exclude any identifying information from your document.

Complete the online entry form, including:

Your name

Age

Location in New York State

School (if applicable)

A brief bio about your poetic journey

Timeline

Submissions Open: January 15, 2025

Deadline: March 1, 2025

Winner Announcement: March 26, 2025

Submissions will be thoughtfully evaluated by a panel of judges using a rubric that celebrates diverse voices and poetic styles. Every poem will be read with care and intention, honoring the spirit in which it was written.

This contest is more than just an opportunity to win prizes—it’s your chance to connect with a community of poets and creators, gain recognition for your work, and experience the magic of poetry in a whole new way.

Let’s make poetry magic together. We can’t wait to read your submissions!