Hello and welcome to New Jersey Poetry Out Loud!

Poetry Out Loud (POL) is a national poetry recitation program for students in grades 9–12, or the age/grade equivalent.

Traditionally designed for public, charter, parochial school, and homeschool teachers, POL recently announced opportunities for parents, community leaders, organizations, and other interested facilitators to engage with the program.

In addition to high school participants, other grades are welcome to register and run the program at the school level, but do not qualify for the contest.

News and Upcoming Events

Joy Ogunsakin to represent new jersey in washington, dc in april 2026

Joy Ogunsakin, a senior from Trinity Hall in Tinton Falls, was named State Champion at the 2026 New Jersey Poetry Out Loud State Finals, part of the National Poetry Out Loud recitation program. The adjudication took place on March 3rd at Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, NJ.

Poetry Ouselves Presents: SpeakRoots

Poetry Ourselves Presents: SpeakRoots is a one-day experience designed for students who participated at the regional level this year. It is an opportunity to continue building your voice, your writing, and your presence in a space rooted in community.

June 6, 2026

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Location: 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701

Please note: Only students that participated in a Regional Competition are permitted to sign-up.