Tennessee Announces New School Year for the Poetry Out Loud Program

The Tennessee Arts Commission announces this school year’s Poetry Out Loud program, a national recitation competition that encourages Tennessee high school students to explore poetry, develop public speaking skills, and deepen an appreciation for the literary arts.

Poetry Out Loud, a national literary arts program led by the National Endowment for the Arts, encourages high school students to experience poetry through memorization, recitation, and competition. For over 20 years, Poetry Out Loud has been a cornerstone program of Tennessee’s commitment to arts education opportunities.

For the 2026–2027 school year, the Tennessee Arts Commission will collaborate with The Porch, a Nashville organization recognized for its literary community and dedication to poetry education programs, to assist in the implementation of the program. The Porch will reach out to schools, lead educational programming, and coordinate the Tennessee state finals competition.

“Everyone at The Porch is excited to partner with Tennessee Arts Commission to work with teachers and students across Tennessee. Poetry Out Loud is close to our hearts and perfectly aligns with The Porch’s mission to inspire, educate, and connect writers and readers of all ages and stages,” says Joe Kane, Youth Programs Director at The Porch.

The Tennessee Arts Commission looks forward to another year of celebrating poetry throughout the 2026–2027 school year. All Tennessee high schools are encouraged to participate. Poetry Out Loud continues to be a key arts program in Tennessee, inspiring confidence, creativity, and a deeper connection to poetry for students statewide.

Access Tennessee’s Poetry Out Loud website and resources here.