Cedar Valley Youth Poet Laureate

About Us

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.

2024 Group Photo

2024 Winner

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

On Sunday, October 26th, from 1 pm to 4 pm in the Lang Hall Interpreter's Theatre, the CVYPL program will commence with a generative workshop. The workshop will offer an encouraging atmosphere where writers can be inspired by new ideas for their writing. Please consider joining!

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 11:59 pm

CVYPL Details/Application

Application Opens: February 1, 2026

Application Deadline: February 28, 2026

CVYPL Application Here

More Important Dates

Commencement Ceremony: April 16, 2026

Check back here for new information!

Daniel Umemzie

2025 Cedar Valley Youth Poet Laureate

Meet Daniel Umemezie:

Daniel Umemezie is a Nigerian-American poet whose work explores the intersections of identity, family, politics, and place. He serves as the Iowa Student Poet Ambassador and Iowa Student Poet Laureate, bringing workshops and readings to libraries and community partners across the state. His poetry has been shaped by his experience navigating multiple cultures, from the vibrant traditions of his Nigerian heritage to the complex realities of contemporary American life. Drawing on influences that range from classical forms to experimental techniques, Daniel is currently developing works on kinship and the ethics of presence. Check out his winning performance in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier.

Mya Pratchett

2024 Cedar Valley Youth Poet Laureate

Meet Lamya Pratchett:

Lamya Pratchett was the Cedar Valley's first youth poet laureate. Pratchett, a student at East High School in Waterloo, read her winning poem "Chaotic Hindering Attributes Overthinkers Suffer With," which is published on the North American Review's Open Space platform. Additionally, Pratchett's work has been posted in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier. Pratchett states in an interview after her performance that she has been writing since she was ten years old and reflects that she often leans into more difficult topics.