OC Youth Poet Laureate applications are open, deadline July 24, 2026!
About the OC Youth Poet Laureate Program
LMAC is proud to announce the re-launch of our Orange County Youth Poet Laureate Program (OCYPL)! The OCYPL Program is meant to inspire, create social change, and be enjoyed by audiences across the county, and perhaps, the country and world.
As a partner with the National Youth Poet Laureate Program, we hope youth poets use their voices for change. In 2021, Orange County selected its first-ever Youth Poet Laureate, Tina Mai. We look forward to appointing more youth in the years to come.
The National Youth Poet Laureate Program works with local youth literary arts organizations across the United States to identify and celebrate exceptional youth poets who use their voice to inspire change.
The OC Youth Poet Laureate program is an unprecedented countywide effort to celebrate literacy through poetry and connect young writers to far-reaching opportunities. This year, we are accepting applications from talented OC writers (ages 13-19) to join a community of young poets. The Laureate and 2 honorable mentions are invited to serve as ambassadors for literacy, arts, and youth expression with ongoing opportunities for performances, projects, and peer support.
We will open applications on May 22, 2026, and accept them through July 24, 2026.
About the OC Poet Laureate Program
LMAC is proud to announce the open applications for our Orange County Poet Laureate Program (OC-PL)! The OC-PL Program is meant to celebrate a culturally-based literary role-model, social change, and to be enjoyed by audiences across the county, supporting a civic and literary leader for generations to come.
With monthly OC Poet Laureate office hours hosted at our LibroMobile bookstore, LMAC's aspiration is to value and promote cultural events, programs, and services that benefit the residents of the county.
We hope the OC Poet Laureate (over 19 years old) will help us share poetry and local social justice initiatives. In 2021, Orange County selected its first-ever OC Poet Laureate, Dr. Natalie J. Graham, and our 2nd Poet Laureate is Gustavo Hernandez (2024-2026).
The goals of the program are to inspire OC residents with the transformative community engagement and positive impact of poetry; provide OC residents with opportunities to engage in literary arts and write or perform poetry; and bring poetry to a variety of settings in OC. One poet laureate will be selected, and one applicant will receive an honorable mention. The honorable mention will have the opportunity to be nominated for the following year, without an application process.
All OC Poet Laureate initiatives will aim to promote cultural connections and partnership opportunities representing the regional demographics that include approximately 60% people of color.
We will open applications on May 22, 2026, and accept them through July 24, 2026.
If you need an application in a different language, please feel free to request it. Email us here!
2027 OC Poet Laureate Appointments & Programs
In order to ensure the safety and health of participating youth and all OC residents, the 2027 OC Poet Laureates appointment ceremony and community-based readings will be assessed for safety and maintained through hybrid events on-site at the LibroMobile bookstore gallery and community partners' sites, as well as made accessible virtually.
Key Dates
OC Poet Laureate Applications & Nominations Open
May 22, 2026 - Download the Application for Specifics
Sections Required:
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Contact Information
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Application Questions
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Work Sample
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Nomination Letters
OC Youth Poet Laureate Program Info Sessions
June 10, 17, 24 & 28 during OC Poet Laureate Office Hours.
OC Poet Laureate Program Questions & Info Sessions (19+)
Please email us to receive answers or schedule a Zoom appointment.
Application Deadline
July 24th, 2026
Announcement of 2027 OC Poet Laureate Appointments
August 23rd, 2022
2027 OC Poet Laureates Inauguration & 1st Reading
Date and details to be announced for January 2027
More details to be posted soon!
FAQs
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Do poet laureates have to reside in O.C.?
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Yes, poet laureates need to have a direct connection to the region and reside in O.C.
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Can poet laureates hold previous poet laureate positions in O.C. or other regions?
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Yes, but all applicants will be evaluated under the same criteria, regardless of previous poet laureate titles.
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Do poet laureates need to be U.S. citizens?
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No, we accept applications from all residents in O.C.
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Is there an honorarium for appointed O.C. poet laureates?
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Yes, LibroMobile is making arrangements to provide poet laureates with a budget. The amount will not be disclosed until O.C. poet laureates are appointed. We do not want monetary compensation to be an incentive but honor that payment for time and programming is necessary.
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Have another question?
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Email LibroMobile!
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