Spokane Launches First-Ever Youth Poet Laureate Program

Teens ages 14-17 can apply to become the city's cultural ambassador through poetry

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Spokane Arts has launched the city's first Youth Poet Laureate program, a paid, two-year role for local teens ages 14-17 to serve as cultural ambassadors through poetry. The program is backed by community partners and requires applicants to submit a resume and 2-3 original poems by March 31, 2026.

Why it matters

The new Youth Poet Laureate program aims to engage Spokane's youth in civic life through the power of poetry, providing a platform for young voices to be heard and celebrated in the community.

The details

The Youth Poet Laureate will be a paid position focused on civic engagement, with the selected teen serving a two-year term as a cultural ambassador for Spokane. Applicants must be between the ages of 14-17 and submit a resume along with 2-3 original poems by the March 31, 2026 deadline. The program is supported by local partners including the Avista Foundation, Spark Central, and Leadership Spokane.

  • The Youth Poet Laureate program application deadline is March 31, 2026.

The players

Spokane Arts

The local arts organization that is launching the first-ever Youth Poet Laureate program in Spokane.

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The takeaway

The new Youth Poet Laureate program is an exciting opportunity for Spokane's talented young poets to make their voices heard and contribute to the cultural fabric of the city.