Young writers across the city have the chance to turn their words into a platform for change. Applications are now open for the Austin Youth Poet Laureate Program, an initiative led by the Library Foundation that empowers young poets to share their stories while serving as literary ambassadors for the city.

During We Are Austin, Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott welcomed Mariela Cifuentes from the Library Foundation to discuss why the program has become such an important opportunity for Austin’s young creatives.

During We Are Austin, Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott welcomed Mariela Cifuentes from the Library Foundation to discuss why the program has become such an important opportunity for Austin's young creatives.

During We Are Austin, Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott welcomed Mariela Cifuentes from the Library Foundation to discuss why the program has become such an important opportunity for Austin’s young creatives.

For those unfamiliar with the title, Cifuentes explained that a poet laureate is much more than someone who writes poetry.

“A poet laureate is a distinguished person in the poetry world. They write amazing poetry, but they’re also very engaged in their community,” she said. “The Library Foundation handles the Austin Youth Poet Laureate Program. This is specifically for students who are 18 and under who are already, at such a young age, doing amazing things—not only writing poetry, but being engaged in their schools and in their community.”

For those unfamiliar with the title, Cifuentes explained that a poet laureate is much more than someone who writes poetry.Screenshot 2026-08-04 070603.png

For those unfamiliar with the title, Cifuentes explained that a poet laureate is much more than someone who writes poetry.Screenshot 2026-08-04 070603.png

While poetry is at the heart of the program, community involvement is just as important. Cifuentes said the initiative gives young people an opportunity to express perspectives that might otherwise go unheard.

“Young people have a lot to say and don’t always have the outlet to be able to say those things,” she said. “The things they experience, even at such a young age, are just so interesting and so profound. There’s a lot of wisdom to be had.”

She added that every application offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Austin’s youth.

Each year, one student is selected as Austin's Youth Poet Laureate, while five additional finalists make up the official cohort. Together, they receive opportunities to represent Austin through public readings, community events and speaking engagements.She added that every application offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Austin's youth.

Each year, one student is selected as Austin’s Youth Poet Laureate, while five additional finalists make up the official cohort. Together, they receive opportunities to represent Austin through public readings, community events and speaking engagements.She added that every application offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Austin’s youth.

“Where they come from, whether they’re Austin natives or from anywhere else in the country or the world, what’s their story? What’s their cultural background? We learn so much from these kids who apply through our program.”

Each year, one student is selected as Austin’s Youth Poet Laureate, while five additional finalists make up the official cohort. Together, they receive opportunities to represent Austin through public readings, community events and speaking engagements.

One of the program’s most exciting perks is the publication of the Youth Poet Laureate’s own chapbook.

“Whoever is chosen as the poet laureate gets their own chapbook published at the end of the season,” Cifuentes said. “The next five runners-up form the cohort, and they get different speaking engagements around the city.”

"A poet laureate is a distinguished person in the poetry world. They write amazing poetry, but they're also very engaged in their community," she said. "The Library Foundation handles the Austin Youth Poet Laureate Program. This is specifically for students who are 18 and under who are already, at such a young age, doing amazing things—not only writing poetry, but being engaged in their schools and in their community."

“A poet laureate is a distinguished person in the poetry world. They write amazing poetry, but they’re also very engaged in their community,” she said. “The Library Foundation handles the Austin Youth Poet Laureate Program. This is specifically for students who are 18 and under who are already, at such a young age, doing amazing things—not only writing poetry, but being engaged in their schools and in their community.”

Those opportunities have included appearances on We Are Austin, local bookstore events and even invitations to nationally recognized festivals.

“We were invited to South by Southwest this year,” Cifuentes said. “One of the indie film producers reached out because they were showing a film about youth poets. They wanted the cohort at their after-party. They just get a lot of exposure.”

Although submitting creative work can feel intimidating, Cifuentes emphasized that applicants don’t need to be seasoned poets or experienced public speakers to apply.

“We like to make a point that you don’t have to be an expert already at either poetry or the civic engagement part,” she said. “You can come wherever you are, at any stage in your writing. Part of this cohort is for us to really learn, expand your horizons and share that with Austin.”

"Whoever is chosen as the poet laureate gets their own chapbook published at the end of the season," Cifuentes said. "The next five runners-up form the cohort, and they get different speaking engagements around the city."

“Whoever is chosen as the poet laureate gets their own chapbook published at the end of the season,” Cifuentes said. “The next five runners-up form the cohort, and they get different speaking engagements around the city.”

To help prospective applicants prepare, the Library Foundation is hosting a free virtual workshop where participants can learn about the application process, including how to submit a portfolio of five original poems, a résumé and an optional performance video.

Applications for the Austin Youth Poet Laureate Program are open through September 15. Eligible writers who are 18 years old or younger can learn more about the free workshop, application requirements and submission details by visiting the Library Foundation’s website.

Applications for the Austin Youth Poet Laureate Program are open through September 15. Eligible writers who are 18 years old or younger can learn more about the free workshop, application requirements and submission details by visiting the Library Foundation's website.

Applications for the Austin Youth Poet Laureate Program are open through September 15. Eligible writers who are 18 years old or younger can learn more about the free workshop, application requirements and submission details by visiting the Library Foundation’s website.