Teen Poetry Contest
Do you have a way with words?
Milwaukee youth ages 13-18 are encouraged to submit an original poem online between March 24th and April 18th, 2025! A cash prize of $100 will be awarded to the top poem in three age categories: 13-14, 15-16, and 17-18.
Winners will be announced at our poetry event at the Mitchell Street Branch on Monday, April 28th during our Teen Poetry Fest. Join us for a celebration of poetry with an Open Mic emceed by Brit Nicole and a variety of creative stations to express yourself! Enjoy coffee from Ay! Chihuahua and light refreshments. See you there!
Submit one original poem online at mpl.org/poetrycontest. The poem must be uploaded as a PDF or Word document.
Contest rules:
-Must be between 13-18 years old to participate.
-Participants must be Milwaukee County residents.
-Only entries submitted as a PDF or Word document will be accepted.
-All submissions must be original works written by the young adult submitting the entry.
-Each individual may submit one (1) entry total.
-Individuals can only win one (1) prize in this contest.
-Entries may be edited for publication purposes.
-By submitting your original entry to the Milwaukee Public Library Teen Poetry Contest, you are consenting to have your work read or displayed at our Teen Poetry Fest event on April 28, 2025 at the Mitchell Street Branch.
Poetry Resources
- Gale Presents: Udemy -
COMPLETE Creative Writing - All Genres - THE FULL COURSE!
Learn to write engaging Fiction, Poetry, Drama, & Creative Non-Fiction and become the successful writer you want to be. NOTE: Must be 13 years or older. You will need a Google or Microsoft account to sign in to Udemy. - Poetry & Short Story Reference Center (Login with your library card)
- The Academy of American Poets - Poetry for Teens