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Only schools and organizations registered with their state Poetry Out Loud coordinator are eligible for the official competition.

Student Eligibility

Prize Requirements: The Poetry Foundation provides and administers all aspects of the monetary prizes awarded in Poetry Out Loud. In order to receive prizes, State champions and runners-up must submit a properly-completed IRS Form W-9 or Form W-8BEN in order to be eligible to receive the prize money. Prizes are not transferable and are taxable to the recipient; prizes issued to individuals submitting a Form W-8 may be subject to additional withholding requirements.

Travel and Accommodations Requirements: The Poetry Foundation provides and administers all aspects of the travel for State Champions to the Poetry Out Loud National Finals. State Champions (or their legal guardians) and their chaperones must submit a properly-completed IRS Form W-9 or Form W-8BEN before travel and lodging are arranged by the Poetry Foundation. The value of travel and lodging are taxable to the recipients; the value of travel and lodging issued to individuals submitting a Form W-8 may be subject to additional withholding requirements.

Students, parents, or chaperones who do not submit a valid tax identification form are not eligible for prizes, travel or accommodation.

* Relatives for this age group are defined as child, sibling, or any member of the employee’s household.

Poem Eligibility

Competition