Welcome to Poetry Out Loud!
Students who wish to compete in a regional contest must first participate in a school contest. Home school students should contact Susan Dickson. Depending on the viral load in each of the state's seven POL regions, regional contests may be held virtually, or may be held as in-person contests. School contests can be held in person or virtually, whichever best serves the health and safety of the students and their communities.
Schools must register using this form in order to participate in a regional contest. Schools should aim to have held their school contests by January 31, 2024. Soon after you submit your registration, you will be contacted by the POL Regional Coordinator to discuss your school contest date and to provide any further assistance.
Typically, the regional contests are held in February and the statewide competition is held in early March in Springfield, Illinois.