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.
Applications Now Open for the 2026-2027 Houston Youth Poet Laureate!
APPLY TO BE THE 2026-2027 YOUTH POET LAUREATE
Application Deadline: July 31st, 2026
Your application journey begins here, and we are honored by your desire to serve as a poetic ambassador for our vibrant and resilient city. As you move through this process, we encourage you to take your time, reflect deeply, and bring your fullest self to the page.
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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 our HYPL
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.
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