Cedar Valley Youth Poet Laureate
The Cedar Valley Youth Poet Laureate program, championed by Urban Word NYC, was established in 2023 and has been in full swing since, extending a space for young poets in the Cedar Valley to have their voices heard and celebrated. The program further aims to recognize youth who have demonstrated leadership, maintained civic and community engagement, and participated in social initiatives.
Program News
2025 Cedar Valley Youth Poet Laureate, Daniel Umemezie, became the 10th National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States in April 2026. During his tenure, Daniel hopes to use poetry as a tool to empower youth to use their memories, words, and voices for social change. You can learn more about Daniel, his poetry, and story below.
- Daniel's Press Kit
- PBS Canvas Arts & Culture
- Talk of Iowa
- NYPL announcement in The Gazette
- NYPL announcement on KWWL
- 2025 Iowa City Book Festival reading
- announcement on US Senate Floor
Program Details
Each year, one recipient will be awarded the title of Cedar Valley Youth Poet Laureate and receive a scholarship to the University of Northern Iowa. Their poem will be published on the North American Review’s website, Open Space. Additionally, the recipient will receive the opportunity to perform at CVYPL events, as well as at schools, libraries, and civic events in the Cedar Valley.
Application Instructions
Click here for an application guide!
Who Can Apply?
Teens aged 13-19 living in one of the eight counties that comprise the Cedar Valley (Black Hawk, Bremer, Butler, Buchanan, Tama, Grundy, Fayette, and Chickasaw) are welcome to apply. Application is free!
Literary Excellence
We ask that writers demonstrate that they have honed their poetic craft. This may look different for each poet, but it can look something like the use of form, such as the villanelle, sonnet, sestina, etc. The writer's voice should be pronounced through creative liberties the writer may choose to utilize in their work.
We look forward to reading a variety of topics, such as home, family, and more. We hope to see poems that raise questions or awareness about a political issue, explore identity, history, or familial stories. We are excited to read poems that are thoughtful and reflective on some component of the human experience.
Civil Engagement and Social Justice
When we refer to civic engagement, we’re looking for applicants who are actively involved in their communities or schools. This can take many forms, such as participating in school clubs, volunteering, or contributing to local initiatives. When we refer to social justice, we value students who demonstrate a genuine commitment to equity, inclusivity, and advocacy. This could be exhibited through various forms of activism, such as attending or organizing a protest. There are many possibilities for both!
Writing Workshop Details/Registration
Join 2026 Cedar Valley Youth Poet Laureate Ren Woods and editors from the North American Review for two writing workshops in October at the Hearst Center for the Arts in Cedar Falls. Students can register for either workshop-or both! Registration is encouraged, but not required.
CVYPL Details/Application
Application Opens: February 1, 2027
Application Deadline: March 10, 2027
More Important Dates
Commencement Ceremony: Saturday, April 17, 2027
Click here for more information!
