Through Poetry Out Loud, students can master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. Each winner at the state level will receive $200 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC, to compete for the national championship. The state winner's school will receive a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry books. One runner-up in each state will receive $100, with $200 for his or her school library. Poetry Out Loud will award a total of $50,000 in scholarships and school stipends at the national finals, with at least a $20,000 college scholarship for the Poetry Out Loud national champion.

Contact:

Christina Taylor-Haley
Minnesota State Arts Board

651-215-1611
http://www.arts.state.mn.us/other/poetry.htm
christina.taylor-haley@arts.state.mn.us