HOUSTON YOUTH POET LAUREATE PRogram
The Houston Youth Poet Laureate program is a proud collaboration between Writers in the Schools, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Houston Public Library. The program uplifts the voices of emerging poets who speak to the heart of our Houston community. Since 2016, the program has identified young writers and leaders who are committed to civic and community engagement through poetry and performance. Past Youth Poet Laureates have received publications, performance bookings, and the opportunity to be regional ambassadors for the National Youth Poet Laureate program.
Meet the 2025 - 2026 Houston Youth Poet Laureate
Kaviya Dhir
Kaviya Dhir is the 2025-2026 Houston Youth Poet Laureate and a proud Houstonian. True to her namesake, Kaviya originates from the Sanskrit word for poetry. A 2025 commended Foyle Young Poet, Kaviya first discovered her love for poetry in the local classrooms of Writers in the Schools and J Mark Price’s Writing Workshop. Her work reflects her family’s rich background and experiences—spanning the regions of South America to South Asia—as well as her passion for community service and the commonality of human emotion. She is an alumna of the Adroit Journal Summer Mentorship Program, the Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop, and the Juniper Institute for Young Writers. Her work has appeared in Columbia Journal, the Oxonian Review, Wildness, and elsewhere.
KEEPING UP WITH THE HYPL
PUBLIC POETRY AT Blue Ridge LIbrary
On December 6, 2025, Kaviya Dhir, the 10th Houston Youth Poet Laureate (2025–2026), gave her first Public Poetry performance at Stimley–Blue Ridge Library.
The event brought together community members in celebration of youth voice, poetry, and creative expression. Kaviya’s performance marked an important milestone in her term and continued the Houston Youth Poet Laureate program’s commitment to amplifying young writers across the city.
GIRLS ON THE GREEN
On March 21st, 2026, Kaviya Dhir followed the popular band Garbage Girlfriend with an inspirational performance for Women's History Month at Discovery Green. Her poem explored the themes of empowerment, humility, and reconciliation. Girls on the Green, thanks to Discovery Green, marked a moment where Kaviya was able to use her platform to advocate for one of her classmates and share their truths.
Author Talk With Houston's Poet Laureates
On April 18th, 2026, Kaviya Dhir sat down with Houston Poet Laureate Reyes Ramirez and poet Raneem Bakir Alia to talk about inspirations, work as poet laureates, and Kaviya and Reyes’ goals. The event was live streamed through the Houston Public Library.
Kavya: Poetry In Motion
On May 1st, 2026, Kaviya partnered with Silambam Houston, an Indian classical dance group, and served as a curtain raiser for their program combining poetry with movement at the Hobby Center. The show began with an original poem by Kaviya accompanied by one of Silambam’s dancers whose choreography reflected the deeply personal and ceremonial nature of Kaviya’s poem. The night brought together the written word, rich colors and one of a kind brilliance. The poem she performed is titled "What Billows," a piece written in memory of her grandfather and published by the Columbia Journal.
Writers in the Schools FUNDRAISER
On May 7th, 2026, at a Writers in the Schools' (WITS) Donor Reception, Kaviya Dhir performed an original piece which she explained was facilitated in its creation because of WITS. She also went on to give a short speech about her journey as a poet and her creative pursuits under WITS, showcasing her appreciation for the evening.
That Drive Thru Monterey at STAGES
On May 17th, 2026, Kaviya Dhir performed a poem in response to “That Drive Thru Monterey,” a play written by Matthew Paul Olmos which explores the story of a Mexican-American woman in 1971 Los Angeles and her experiences with a first, nerdy love and a toxic inheritance of machismo. Kaviya’s opened a discussion between the artistic director of STAGES and the playwright Matthew Paul Olmos.
Performance on ABC13
On May 20th, 2026, Kaviya Dhir gave a recitation of a piece titled "Poem For My Birthday" for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Her performance, along with a response about her aspirations and upcoming performances, was aired through ABC 13 on May 21st.
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Applications currently closed
The application season to be the Houston Youth Poet Laureate is currently closed. The next application cycle for the 2027-2028 Houston Youth Poet Laureate will open in spring 2027. Join the mailing list below to be the first to know when applications open and to keep up to date with all things WITS.
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