If you are between the ages of 13-18 and live in or attend school in Burlingame or Hillsborough, you are invited to apply to be the City of Burlingame and Town of Hillsborough’s Inaugural Youth Poet Laureate! The Burlingame-Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate will receive $500 at the end of their term. Read for more details.
FAQs (updated 2025):
What does the Burlingame-Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) do?
The Youth Poet Laureate represents Burlingame-Hillsborough and its youth at public events and is a model for other youth through their commitment to artistic excellence, civic engagement and social impact. Other duties:
- Along with the title of local Youth Poet Laureate, Urban Word (National YPL Organization) offers the Youth Poet Laureate the opportunity to publish poems in the National Youth Poet Laureate annual anthology (published by Penmanship Books).
- Participate in regional competitions with other local Youth Poet Laureates to further develop your craft and possibly be considered for the position of National Youth Poet Laureate.
- Perform at official City of Burlingame and/or Town of Hillsborough functions throughout the year, as requested.
- Assist the Burlingame Public Library Children’s Department with promoting National Poetry Month activities in April.
What support would I receive as the Burlingame-Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate?
The Burlingame-Hillsborough YPL will receive support from Burlingame Public Library staff in developing public speaking skills and in their role as a city representative. We’ll be right there with you along the way! We can also connect you to other youth and writing organizations for opportunities and support.
What are the eligibility requirements to apply for the Burlingame-Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate?
Burlingame-Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate applicants must:
- Be a Burlingame or Hillsborough resident or attend school in Burlingame or Hillsborough
- Be between the ages of 13 and 18 as of March 31, 2025
- Be living locally and available to serve as Youth Poet Laureate for the program year: May 2025-April 2026
- Not have served as the Youth Poet Laureate in the previous year (Youth Poet Laureates can hold the position twice, but not in immediate succession).
- Not be enrolled in college full-time during the program year
What do I need to apply for the position of Burlingame-Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate?
For the application process you will submit:
- An Artist Bio in which you explain who you are and what poetry means to you
- A list of any honors or awards you have received, any community service, clubs, activism activities and/or other extracurricular activities you have participated in
- Three (3) original poems totaling no more than ten (10) pages
- The name and contact information for one adult sponsor who could write you a letter of recommendation should you advance to the final round
How do I apply for the position of Burlingame-Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate?
Beginning on January 2, 2025, you can apply for the position using this Google form: bit.ly/BurlingameYPL25
When are applications accepted?
Applications will be accepted between January 2, 2025 and February 28, 2025.
When will the Burlingame-Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate be announced?
We will announce the Burlingame-Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate at a Commencement Performance in April 2025, where all finalists will have the opportunity to read some of their poetry before the winner is announced.
Is there any money associated with the position of Burlingame-Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate?
The Burlingame-Hillsborough YPL will receive $500 at the end of their term (April 2026) for completing the full year as Youth Poet Laureate to receive the money.
How does the judging work?
The applications will be scored anonymously in the month of March by a panel of five judges. The judges will read the three poems you submit with your application and score them based on the Content, Craft, and Voice in addition to the information you submit regarding your civic engagement through participation in volunteer work and community service.
The Burlingame-Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate will be the one poet who scores the highest total of both sections and will be announced at the Commencement Ceremony in April 2025.
Who are the judges?
There will be five judges, representing a diverse group of community members from literacy, arts, activist, and educational organizations.
How can I apply if I don’t have internet access?
You can visit your local library or school and use the internet there to submit your online application.
Do I have to have a Google account to fill out the application?
Yes, you do. You cannot complete the application without a Google account.
You can get one here: https://accounts.google.com/SignUp.
In the application, please give us the email address you check most often (but not your school address if you are a BIS student because it will not accept emails from outside organizations). You do not have to use your Gmail address for your contact email.
I have more questions. Who can I contact?
Email bplchildrens@plsinfo.org or call Burlingame Public Library Teen Librarian Sarah Tinkham at 650-558-7472 or tinkham@plsinfo.org
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