The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with the Connecticut Office of the Arts to support 2018 Poetry Out Loud, a free high school program which encourages the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This dynamic program helps high school students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, learn about their literary heritage, and compete for more than $100,000 in awards.

Each winner at the state level will receive:

• A $200 cash prize and an all-expense paid trip to Washington DC
• A $500 cash stipend for their school to purchase poetry materials
• An opportunity to compete at the 2018 National Finals for the title of National Champion and a $20,000 prize

In order to compete, schools must register by contacting Adriane Jefferson at the office of the Arts, adriane.jefferson@ct.gov. For more information, visit www.poetryoutloud.org.