What is the Youth Poet Laureate?
The Youth Poet Laureate is selected from the group of finalists determined by the judges after completion of the application process. The Youth Poet Laureate has access to initiatives that support their poetry and allow them to read their work across the county. They also gain public speaking, workshop, and judging opportunities. Although one finalist receives the Youth Poet Laureate title, the cohort of finalists has access to the same core opportunities.
If selected, teen poets receive mentorship and support from the Santa Cruz Poet Laureate, Farnaz Fatemi. Finalists are invited to read their poetry at public and private events across the county, host workshops, and contribute to arts and literary publications.
Selected finalists receive a $100 cash honorarium. The Youth Poet Laureate receives a $500 cash honorarium.
No. We encourage you to select your five strongest poems, which help readers get to know your voice, interests, and individuality as a writer.
Please feel free to explore our page, Recent Poets & Work, for samples from our recent cohort of Youth Poet Laureate poets.
If selected as a finalist, you and the judges will schedule a time to meet. In this short appearance (no longer than fifteen minutes), the judges will greet you, talk to you about the process, and answer any questions you have, and you can take your time reading one poem out loud. You will get to choose a poem from the portfolio you submitted which you’re most comfortable reading aloud.
Santa Cruz Youth Poet Laureate applications open in Winter 2025 and close in Spring 2026. For more information on the application process, please visit our Application Process webpage.
Please feel free to email Farnaz Fatemi with any questions: sasqi@mac.com
*If you're a teacher and you want to arrange a class visit about the Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate Program, please feel free to reach out to Farnaz.*