The Howard County Youth Poet Laureate is an honorary position formally appointed by the County Executive, who each year acts as an ambassador for the literary arts, amplifying the voice of youth expression in our community through participation in public events and readings throughout their one-year term. As we look forward to hearing from current laureate, Penelope Tofigh, at upcoming events including the Blackbird Poetry Festival, applications for the 2026–2027 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 2026 until August 2027, and receives an honorarium of $500.

Eligible candidates may apply now by clicking HERE! The deadline for self-submitted applications is April 30, 2026. 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. The Howard County Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate Programs are a partnership of HoCoPoLitSo, Howard County Arts Council, and the Office of Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.