Poetry Out Loud Grant

The Poetry Out Loud Grant, offered by the Kentucky Arts Council, supports high school students in grades 9-12 as they engage in poetry memorization and performance. This initiative promotes public speaking skills and self-confidence while celebrating America's literary heritage. Schools can apply for funding to bring teaching artists into their classrooms, enhancing students' appreciation for poetry through dynamic educational experiences. Eligibility extends to all Kentucky public and private high schools, encouraging broad participation across the state.

NOTE: The Registration deadline is the deadline reflected above. Acceptance will be on a first-come, first-served basis as program resources allow.
Poetry Out Loud Program
Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. Poetry Out Loud is a partnership of the Kentucky Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Poetry Foundation.
Goal
To encourage students to learn poetry through memorization and performance, develop public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about our nation’s literary heritage.

Eligibility

Any representative of a Kentucky public or private high school may apply. Homeschooled students may compete through a participating local high school or a home school regional competition hosted by a local library or community center. Participating students must be in grades 9 through 12.

Ineligibility

Schools will be paid for the teaching artists on a reimbursement basis. The school must agree to pay the teaching artist directly and the Kentucky Arts Council grant payment will be made to the school district. No funds will be released until the Grant Agreement Form (GAF) has been signed and returned by the superintendent or equivalent private school administrator.Participating class size must not exceed 31 students when the teaching artist is working with the school. A “class” is defined as a unique group of not more than 31 students.Teaching artists may only work with each distinct class of students one time.Teaching artists may work with a minimum of four and a maximum of 25 distinct classes in a five-day period.A teacher must always remain present when the students are working with the teaching artist.Funds received from the arts council may only be used as outlined in the grant agreement form.Funds cannot be used to purchase food or beverages.Funds cannot be used for expenses incurred before the starting date of the period covered in the grant request.Funds cannot be used to pay for substitutes or awards for participants at the school level.The school champion must be in grade 9 through 12 and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident as required by the NEA.