The deadline for the 2025–2026 Youth Poet Laureate term applications has been extended to Friday, May 9th, at 11:59 p.m.

The Howard County Youth Poet Laureate program, a partnership between HoCoPoLitSo, Howard County Arts Council, and the Office of County Executive Calvin Ball, in the last year proudly welcomed our inaugural youth laureate, Mai-Anh Nguyen, at the announcement made in September 2024 at Busboys and Poets in Columbia, with several events since completed or planned around the county, including a Wilde Reading from Mai-Anh in June.

The role of the Youth Poet Laureate is an honorary position formally appointed by the County Executive, who will act as an ambassador for literary arts, and amplify the voice of youth expression in our community through participation in public events and readings across their one-year term. Applications for the 2025–2026 academic year are open NOW for eligible young poets, ages 14–21, who either reside in or will be able to present at in-person events in Howard County. The next Youth Poet Laureate will serve from September 2025 until July 2026, and receives an honorarium of $500 in two equal payments.

Eligible candidates may apply now by clicking HERE! The deadline for submissions has been extended until May 9, 2025. Full program guidelines can be found on the Howard County Arts Council grants homepage; for questions on the application process, please contact grantsandprojects@hocoarts.org, or by phone call to (410) 313-2787 during regular business hours.