Words Beats & Life Inc. passes the mic to the DC youth poet laureates during the DCPS Festival at the Kennedy Center’s iconic Millennium Stage.

Words Beats & Life Inc. is honored to select and host the 2023 youth poet laureates of D.C., Arlington County, and Montgomery County, unveiling the talent that rightfully earned them their titles. These teenage poets express creativity in language, serve their communities through social justice activism, and demonstrate leadership. Each poet is accomplished in their craft and continues to receive notoriety from outlets such as the Pushcart Prize, The New York Times, and the Poetry Foundation.

Meet Our 2023 Youth Poet Laureates!

The Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) Program is a joint program of Urban Word NYC and Words Beats & Life Inc., with support from local government & partnering organizations, which aims to identify young writers and leaders who are committed to civic & community engagement, artistic excellence, human relations, youth activism, diversity and education across the region.

We are now accepting 2024 YPL applications from youths aged 13 to 22 who reside in Arlington, Virginia, Montgomery County, Maryland, or Washington, DC.