Calling all young poets across the United States! Are you ready to share your words with the world? The Poetry Society of New York is thrilled to launch its second annual Youth Poetry Contest, an extraordinary celebration of creativity, talent, and the transformative power of poetry. Open to all writers under 18 living across the United States, this contest is an invitation to take the stage, raise your voice, and shine.

This year, we are partnering with Youth Speaks to present our first ever Contest Theme: Mythmaking & Spell-Casting! 

Write a poem that turns your life into a legend. Are you the brave hero, the misunderstood villain, the wandering seeker, or something entirely new? What quest are you embarking on, and what monsters—real or imagined—stand in your way? Borrow the magic of old stories, twist them into something fresh, or create a completely new mythic world where you make the rules. Cast a spell with your words and show us the epic tale only you can tell.

Winning poets will receive not only prizes but also a platform to share their work with the vibrant poetry community. First place will receive $300, second place $200, and third place $100. All three winning poets will also have their work published in Milk Press, the publishing arm of PSNY, and the opportunity to perform on the youth stage at the renowned New York City Poetry Festival. 

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges using a rubric designed to celebrate diverse voices and poetic styles. Judges will consider originality, creativity, use of language, emotional resonance, and technical skill. Every poem will be read with care and intention, honoring the spirit in which it was written.

To enter, prepare a selection of your best original poems. 

• Submissions should include three to five pages of poetry, with each new poem starting on a separate page.
• Please ensure the document contains no identifying information. 
• Alongside your submission, fill out the online entry form, which will include your name, age, location, school (if applicable), and a brief bio sharing a little about yourself and your poetic journey.

The contest launches on January 1, 2026, and submissions will remain open until April 1, 2026. Our judges will review submissions throughout April, and the winners will be announced on April 26, 2026!

This contest is more than just an opportunity to win prizes—it’s a chance to connect with a community of poets and creators, gain recognition for your work, and experience the magic of poetry in a whole new way. We can’t wait to read your submissions and celebrate the next generation of poets.

Let’s make poetry magic together! For more information and to enter, visit poetrysocietyny.org/youth-poetry-contest

Milk Press merges the poetry, visual, and digital art worlds by cultivating, presenting, and publishing multi-disciplinary, collaborative work. We are open for submissions on a rolling basis, but we read submissions every 2-3 months for our seasonal Issues. We will endeavour to notify of your submission outcome within 90 days. Please read our submission guidelines.
 

We only consider previously unpublished works. Our reading fee is put towards the free and accessible programs that the Poetry Society of New York offers. We hope to make our selection process as equitable and diverse as possible. That being said, BIPOC, queer, and gender non-conforming folks are especially encouraged to apply.

Take our Demographics Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1IfANZKVaEV-ShCKxgwM69nJume5j5TA4Z_KCdsriUpRdKQ/viewform