The NYC Youth Poet Laureate Program provides a platform for young voices to promote civic engagement, build community and to energize teens to vote.
Meet the 2013 NYC Youth Poet Laureate, Ashley August! Ashley is a 19 year old Brooklyn native and is currently a sophomore at Mercy College. A young ‘tour de force’ August is a writer, actress, singer, and performer. She began her poetic journey in the summer of 2009 at Urban Word NYC where she quickly established herself as a rising star: becoming a Youth Leadership Board member and participating in several highly acclaimed competitions including the 2010 Urban Word Slam Finals, the 2011 Knicks Poetry Slam. In 2012, August landed a spot on the Urban Word Youth Slam team.
August has been a strong advocate of many causes, and continues to volunteer for several worthy organizations including the Brooklyn Special Olympics, and the NYC Kidney Walk. Currently, August is writing and
working on her one woman performance entitled “Sea”, and collaborating with her Hip Hop Soul Project, “Aztec Gold”. Emerging out of the youth poetry scene, August is motivated to speak truth to power and push the boundaries of spoken word. August has carved her voice out of the experiences of herself and her family, embodying the perseverance, charisma, and strength needed to rise against all odds.
As the Youth Poet Laureate, Ashley will travel the five boroughs to speak to her peers about voting and civic engagement. The team will also embark on a tour of NYC High Schools and parks. As NYC Youth Poet Laureate, Ashley will receive a book deal from Penmanship Books.
CHECK OUT NEW YORK CITY’S PAST YOUTH POET LAUREATES
2012 ISHMAEL “ISH” ISLAM 2011 JUSTIN LONG MOTON 2010 ZORA HOWARD
ARE YOU THE NEXT NEW YORK CITY YOUTH POET LAUREATE?
How do I qualify?
You must be between 13 – 19 years old and a current resident of New York City
How do I apply?
Submit one (1) application which is due on OCTOBER 11TH, 2013
Guidelines: Your complete entry must include:
- A poetry portfolio. The portfolio should include a one minute poem that should speak about “what does voting mean to me?” and a minimum of 3 poems (max 5 poems). Topics that are strongly suggested and encouraged are: “civic and community engagement, activism, and issues that really matter to you”.
- A CV/Artist Resume. Your CV/Resume should include: your school accomplishments (awards, club memberships, etc) your community work (i.e.,your volunteer work etc) and your artistic/personal accomplishments (shows you’ve performed or produced, personal creative projects etc.)
The NYC Youth Poet Laureate will win a book deal from Penmanship Books, conduct a reading tour and make special appearances throughout New York City for one year. Sign up via email at signup@urbanwordnyc.org and click here to download the application.
THE NYC YOUTH POET LAUREATE PROGRAM IS MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE SUPPORT OF
