SMC Youth Ambassadors

In July 2023, the San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture launched the Youth Cultural Ambassadors Pilot Program to encourage youth to:

  • Foster a love of arts as a vehicle for self-expression and civic engagement among young people in San Mateo County.
  • Build community through arts and culture with the goal of greater youth involvement in the community.
  • Highlight the role of arts and culture in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) and other public discourse.

Seven Youth Ambassadors, including an Inaugural San Mateo County Youth Poetry Ambassador, were selected for a one-year term from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024. They were tasked to develop and execute an arts/culture-related project that would engage the community. The projects would focus on themes such as identity and belonging; mental health and healing; environment and sustainability; education and learning. Students were encouraged to collaborate with libraries, schools, or other organizations. Read the county’s press release.

The Youth Cultural Ambassadors Program (YCA) and related events were supported by the San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture and directed by San Mateo County Poet Laureate Emerita, Aileen Cassinetto. Visit the SMC Office of Arts and Culture for details.

Robin Rodricks

Robin Rodricks served as San Mateo County Arts Commissioner for over a decade prior to being named the first Executive Director of the San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture, a division in the County Executive’s Office that was created in 2022. A seasoned arts administrator, Robin oversaw the implementation of the County’s Strategic Arts and Culture Plan which includes diverse and inclusive arts events, programs, and services accessible and equitable to all residents. She also served on the San Mateo County Poet Laureate Advisory Committee from 2013 to 2023. Administration of the San Mateo County Poet Laureate program was brought under the Office of Arts and Culture in 2022.

In her Foreword in the anthology, I Have a Dream: Inaugural Poems for a New Generation, published in 2021 with support from the San Mateo County Arts Commission, Robin writes:

“Poetry — and  the arts — help both the writer and the audience process and give voice to thoughts and feelings, which very often lead to social action.  The youth of today are living through a pandemic, and civil unrest from institutional racism.  How they respond to these circumstances will determine their future and the future of society as a whole.  Their voices and actions, reflecting visions and dreams for a better tomorrow, will help us all as we struggle with the present, and work towards achieving a more just society.

“The Arts Commission is committed to a healthy and vibrant community, and to connecting and inspiring every aspect of the diverse lives in San Mateo County. Nothing gives me more hope for a better society than that of voices of our youth speaking out — not just for themselves, but for all of us.  And I truly believe in what author Johann Goedte wrote, that “At the moment of commitment, the world conspires to assist you.”  Thank you, Poets, for putting your visions and dreams to paper and agreeing to having them published here — in doing so you have taken the first step in your commitment to contributing to a better world.”

Are you the next San Mateo County PL?

On April 23, 2013, The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved the establishment of the post of San Mateo County Poet Laureate to elevate poetry into the consciousness of San Mateo County residents and to help celebrate the literary arts.

The Poet Laureate will be a two-year position which includes a $5000 yearly stipend. During that term, the Poet Laureate will act as ambassador and advocate for poetry, literature and the arts. It is expected that the Poet Laureate will contribute to San Mateo County’s poetry and literary legacy through public readings and participation in civic events. The Poet Laureate will also propose and lead a community project.

Applications will be considered for the post of San Mateo County Poet Laureate. Application is available on CommonGrantApplication.com. Applicants will need to register with CommonGrantApplication.com to submit an application. The deadline for receipt of the application supporting documents is by 5:00 p.m. on Oct. 30, 2022. The County Poet Laureate program is administered by the San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture under the leadership of Robin Rodricks.

The search for Burlingame’s first Youth Poet Laureate begins

At first glance, the contest to become Burlingame and Hillsborough’s first Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) appears to be just another creative writing competition for teens. But in order to “win,” applicants must have more than poetic flair.

“You don’t necessarily need to be good at poetry,” said senior Eva Chen, who is Burlingame’s youth poet-in-residence. “That is something we’re looking for, but ultimately, we want to see you take action; we want to see you take initiative. Because to me, poetry does not just live on paper, it lives in speech and in actions. Poetry is supposed to be alive.”

San Mateo County’s adult poet laureate, Aileen Cassinetto, has also played a major role in helping to  secure funding for the YPL program and transforming it from an idea to a reality.

“[Cassinetto] has done so much to promote poetry in San Mateo County that we’re just hoping it’s a movement that will build and build each year,” Miner said. “It’s kind of exciting to just be the second ones in the county to have it, but that’s the dream — that the momentum carries forward and the program grows.”

Read the full article in The Burlingame B.

Burlingame Youth Poet Laureate

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

Burlingame Youth Poet-in-Residence

Congratulations to Eva Chen who was recognized on September 20, 2022 by the Burlingame Library Board of Trustees as the city’s Youth Poet-in-Residence! Eva is also San Mateo County’s 2022 Young Woman of Excellence honoree and was the first youth poet to be inducted into San Mateo County’s Women’s Hall of Fame. A mentee of San Mateo County Poet Laureate Emerita Aileen Cassinetto and participant in the San Mateo County Youth Ecopoetry Project, Eva shares part of her journey at the 34th Women’s Hall of Fame and Skyline College Summer of Poetry event.

Eva will be conducting workshops for high school students applying to become the City of Burlingame and Town of Hillsborough ’s first ever Youth Poet Laureate! The YPL program is administered by Burlingame Library in partnership with Urban Word. 

Youth ages 12-18 who live in or attend school in Burlingame or Hillsborough and wish to find out more about the Burlingame-Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate, please visit: https://www.burlingame.org/library/services/teens/youthpoetlaureate.php

Vegetable Garden Field Notes

A Filoli Vegetable Garden Activity facilitated by San Mateo County Poet Laureate Emerita Aileen Cassinetto, 15 September 2022

VEGETABLE GARDEN FIELD NOTES

Activity: Describe Filoli’s vegetable garden through the 5 senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.

Name: ________________  Date: __________

Name a vegetable you see in the garden: ________
What color is it: _______
Name one thing you hear as you walk around the garden: ____
Name one thing you taste as you walk around the garden: ____
Name one thing you smell as you walk around the garden: ____
Name one thing you can touch as you walk around the garden: ____
What is one positive emotion you feel right now: ________

Write your poem!

Title (color of vegetable + emotion): __________
It looks like ______.
It sounds like _______.
It tastes like _______.
It smells like ______.
It feels like ______.

RED HAPPINESS BY NICO

It looks like a tomato.
It sounds like whistle of the leaves.
It tastes like yumminess.
It smells like sweet flowers.
It feels like soft leaves.

PURPLE STRIPE BEAUTY BY PIRA

It looks like an eggplant.
It sounds like birds.
It tastes like crunchy cucumber.
It smells like fresh air.
It feels like herbs.

YELLOW, BLACK, GREEN PEACE BY TAMARA

It looks like corn.
It sounds like rustling leaves.
It tastes like fresh air.
It smells like earth and dirt.
It feels cool!

Countywide arts celebration

The San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture is hosting the Countywide Celebration of the Arts Day on August 27th from 12:00-3:00pm at San Mateo’s Central Park Outdoor Stage, featuring 134 performers ages 2-91, including youth poets Chloe Chou, Jescent Marcelino, Hanna Pham, and Lauren Lin. For more info, please visit the OAC website.

The Future Is Poetry

"The Future Is Poetry" is a filmed roundtable co-produced by Aileen Cassinetto and Midpen Media Center as part of Cassinetto's San Mateo County Youth Ecopoetry Project supported by The Academy of American Poets, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the County of San Mateo. This project was also one of 56 initiatives at the intersection of arts and the climate crisis across the United States that was highlighted by Americans for the Arts in the fall/winter 2022 edition of Arts Link magazine.

With gratitude to the following students for their participation: 
Cassandra Bousquet
Angela Chen
Eva Chen
Chloe Chou
Bellamy Cramer
Ronit Das
Arda Inegol
Samantha Ishikawa
Maya Kornyeyeva 
Iris Li
Caroline Lim
Lauren Lin
Juleen Grace Mallari
Jescent Marcelino
Allen Mata 
Hanna Pham
Emma Roginsky
Marissa Teng
Keiki Leni Ward
Payton Zolck

With gratitude to the following organizations for their support:
The County Of San Mateo Board of Supervisors
The Office of Congresswoman Anna Eshoo
City Councils of San Mateo County
Burlingame Public Library
Daly City Public Library
Filoli Historic House & Garden
Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County
Menlo Park Public Library
Peninsula Library System
Redwood City Public Library
San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women
San Mateo County Libraries
San Mateo County Office of Arts & Culture
San Mateo County Office of Community Affairs
San Mateo County Office of Education
San Mateo County Youth Climate Ambassadors
San Mateo Public Library 
Music by Siddharta Corsus
Skyline College Learning Communities
South San Francisco Public Library 
Urban Word, Meera Dasgupta & Alexandra Huynh 
and
The Academy of American Poets
Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Midpen Media Center

“in bakers beach (love at the end of everything)” by Eva Chen, originally written for and featured in this project, appeared in Dear Human at the Edge of Time: Poems on Climate Change in the United States (2023), an anthology which grew out of the National Poets Laureate civic projects funded by the Academy of American Poets and Mellon Foundation.