Long Beach Opens 2027 Youth Poet Laureate Applications
The Long Beach Public Library's youth poetry program is accepting applications from teens ages 13 to 18 through February 28, 2027.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Scholarships
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The Long Beach Public Library announced the 2027 Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate program, with applications opening November 14, 2026. The program is open to youth ages 13 to 18 and runs through February 28, 2027.
Why it matters
The program offers scholarships and mentorship to young writers in Long Beach, supporting local youth literary development. It is run through a collaboration of local arts and civic organizations.
The selected youth poet laureate receives a $1,500 scholarship, and each poet ambassador receives $500. Applicants must submit a completed application, curriculum vitae, a 100-word biographical statement, and a portfolio of five poems.
The players
Long Beach Public Library
The public library system that announced and leads the Youth Poet Laureate program in Long Beach.
Ajala Sen
Long Beach Polytechnic High School student who was named the fourth Youth Poet Laureate in 2026.
The details
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of local working poets, and finalists will be notified by email after judging is completed in the spring. Finalists will share their work at a culminating public event in May, where the new youth poet laureate will be announced.
Timeline
Applications open November 14, 2026.
Applications close February 28, 2027.
Finalists are notified by email in spring 2027.
A culminating public event is held in May 2027.
Season Trajectory
The 2027 program continues a Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate series, following the 2026 ceremony that named Ajala Sen the fourth laureate. Each cohort builds on earlier participants through mentorship and a citywide literary initiative.
Eligible teens ages 13 to 18 must gather five poems, a 100-word biographical statement, and a curriculum vitae before the February 28, 2027 deadline. Applicants who want help can email the LB YPL team to schedule a virtual office hour.
The takeaway
Teens interested in poetry and scholarships can apply to the Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate program before the February 28, 2027 deadline. Mentorship from a local poet is included for participants.
What happens next
Applications close February 28, 2027, with finalists notified in spring and the culminating public event held in May 2027.
Further reading
Explore more scholarship opportunities for students in the Long Beach area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Press Telegram.
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