To be eligible you must meet the following two criteria: 1) be between the ages of 13-19 (inclusive) on November 30, 2025 and 2) reside in California on November 30, 2025 and through the duration of the two-year TPL term.
Eligibility rules state that I must reside in California during the two-year term. What if I plan on moving, for example, if I go to college in another state?
The Teen Poet Laureate will need to live in California for the entirety of the two-year term. The TPL will need to represent the state and its poetic landscape at a variety of events throughout the term (events to be determined in coordination with the Governor’s Office and the CAC). To do this, the TPL will need to live in California. If the TPL moves out of California during the term, they will need to give up the position.
Do I need to have published my poetry? Do I need an agent?
No. There is no expectation that the applicant be a published poet. Nor does the applicant need to have an agent, manager, or representation. This program is open to all who meet the eligibility criteria—anyone who fits these criteria and writes poetry is encouraged to apply.
Is the TPL a paid position?
Yes. The TPL will receive an annual stipend of $10,000 for their services in the position.
How long and how involved is this commitment?
The TPL is a two-year appointment; the term begins when the Governor announces the appointment. The position is involved; the TPL will give public readings, attend public events, and undertake one substantial project during the two-year term. The California Arts Council will support the TPL (and their parent/guardian) in arranging these events (note: the CAC will assist with planning and funding six required readings and any other events the CAC requests the TPL attend). Please see the governing legislation for more information.
What is the “one substantial project” that the TPL must undertake during their term?
“Undertake a specific project that shall last through the term, agreed to by the California Teen Poet Laureate and the council, the goal of which will be to bring the poetic arts to Californians and to California students who might otherwise have little opportunity to be exposed to poetry. The California Teen Poet Laureate may, and is encouraged to, coordinate the project with any similar project being undertaken by the California Poet Laureate.”
This project is up to the TPL to determine. In his first term as California Poet Laureate, Lee Herrick launched the Our California project, which encouraged Californians of all ages around the state to submit an original poem about their experience of the state. The TPL is encouraged to think broadly about what this project could be.
How will the parent/guardian of the TPL be involved?
If the TPL is under the age of 18 at any point during the application process or the two-year term, the individual’s parent/guardian is required to be involved as well. Parents/guardians are required to complete a permission form as part of the application process and consent to the appointment process for the applicants who proceed to that phase. During the TPL’s term, the parent/guardian is required to be involved at every stage and will be included on all communications between the TPL and any CAC or state staff. The parent/guardian and CAC staff will work together to set communication and cooperation preferences for the TPL’s term.
Is this position related to Poetry Out Loud?
No, the position is not related to Poetry Out Loud in any formal way. The TPL is welcome to participate in Poetry Out Loud in their community if they choose. They will receive no preferential treatment in that program.
Is this position related to the Youth Poet Laureate program?
No. This position is a gubernatorial appointment and is unrelated to the national Youth Poet Laureate program and to specific California city or county Youth Poet Laureate programs.
Where can I learn more about the law governing this position?
The applications will be read by a panel of three literary professionals who have been selected to assist in the process. The panel will receive implicit bias training and be coached by CAC staff to ensure an equitable process in which all applicants receive equal consideration. The finalists’ applications will be forwarded to the Governor’s appointments staff who will select an appointee. The applications and the applicants’ names will be kept confidential.
How does this position interact with the California Poet Laureate, Lee Herrick?
Lee Herrick is the current California Poet Laureate. The governor nominated him for that position in 2022 and he was appointed to his second term in 2025. In his position, Herrick travels the state sharing poetry and teaching his craft, and he also appears at many public functions across the state. The TPL will have ample opportunity to work with the California Poet Laureate and join readings, workshops, and other public events.
