Worcester’s got some serious literary talent, and now it’s time to find the next voices that’ll represent our city’s creative spirit! The Cultural Development Division just announced they’re searching for Worcester’s next Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate, and honestly, this is one of the coolest opportunities our city offers.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to be the official voice of Worcester’s poetry scene, or if you know a young wordsmith who could inspire the next generation, keep reading. This could be your moment to step into the spotlight.
What’s This All About?
Let’s break it down: Worcester’s looking for poets who have a real connection to our community to take on these ambassador roles. We’re talking about people who’ll use poetry to promote cultural awareness, civic engagement, and creative expression throughout the city. Pretty powerful stuff, right?
The Poet Laureate position is a three-year gig running from January 2026 through December 2028. The Youth Poet Laureate gets a two-year term from January 2026 through December 2027. Both roles come with some serious perks and responsibilities that we’ll get into.
Think of these folks as Worcester’s literary ambassadors: they’re out there representing us at special events, public ceremonies, and community gatherings. They’re the ones bridging neighborhoods through words, connecting generations through verse, and showing the world what Worcester’s creative scene is all about.
The Youth Poet Laureate: Where Young Voices Shine
Here’s where it gets exciting for our younger community members. The Youth Poet Laureate role is open to anyone ages 13-19 (as of January 1, 2026) who has a deep connection to Worcester and is passionate about storytelling, uplifting youth, and sharing the youth experience.
We’re not just talking about a fancy title here. The Youth Poet Laureate receives a $500 annual honorarium plus a one-time $2,500 scholarship. That’s real money that can help launch a young person’s educational or creative journey.
Current Youth Poet Laureate Serenity Jackson knows firsthand how transformative this role can be. “Serving as the Worcester Youth Poet Laureate has been one of the most empowering experiences of my life,” she shared. “I’ve had the opportunity to connect with artists, activists, and community leaders who have inspired me and helped me grow by encouraging me to use my voice with purpose, building relationships, and learning to step into every room with confidence.”
That’s the kind of growth and empowerment we’re talking about. This isn’t just about writing pretty words; it’s about building leadership skills, connecting with community movers and shakers, and learning to use your voice to make a difference.
The Poet Laureate: Mentorship and Community Leadership
The adult Poet Laureate position comes with its own set of responsibilities and rewards. This role includes mentoring the Youth Poet Laureate (how cool is that?), participating in literary workshops, and presenting four or more public readings annually. The position comes with a $1,500 annual honorarium.
Current Worcester Poet Laureate Oliver De la Paz has been serving since January 2023 and really gets what this role is about. “It has been an honor to use poetry as a bridge between people, neighborhoods, and generations,” he said. “Mentoring young poets and seeing their voices rise reminded me why I write in the first place. The city is listening. Youth are listening. And their voices carry power when they stay curious, trust their truth, and let words lead them.”
That’s beautiful, right? This position isn’t just about personal recognition: it’s about lifting others up and creating connections across our community. The Poet Laureate becomes a mentor, a bridge-builder, and a champion for Worcester’s literary scene.
What Are We Looking For?
Both positions require candidates to have a significant connection to the Worcester community. We’re not talking about people who just moved here last week: we want folks who understand Worcester’s heartbeat, who know our neighborhoods, and who get what makes this city special.
For the Youth Poet Laureate, we’re looking for young people who are passionate about telling their story and uplifting other youth. You don’t need to be published in fancy literary magazines or have won prestigious awards. You need heart, connection to Worcester, and the desire to represent and inspire other young people.
The Poet Laureate should be someone ready to take on a mentorship role, someone who can lead literary programming, and someone who can represent Worcester with pride and authenticity at various events and ceremonies.
The Application Process: Mark Your Calendar!
Here’s what you need to know about timing: applications are open until October 27, 2025. That gives you just over a month to get your materials together, so don’t sleep on this opportunity.
But here’s something cool: Worcester’s hosting a virtual Poet Laureate Writing Workshop on Wednesday, October 8, at 5:30 PM. This is your chance to ask questions, learn more about the program, and review the application process with the current Worcester Poets Laureate and Cultural Development staff.
You can register for this Zoom workshop at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/m31a2r0OQ1C8GrXI1hQEEg. Seriously, if you’re even slightly interested, attend this workshop. Get your questions answered, hear directly from Serenity and Oliver about their experiences, and get a real sense of what these roles involve.
All nominations and applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on October 27, 2025. Don’t wait until the last minute: give yourself time to put together a strong application that really shows your connection to Worcester and your vision for the role.
Why This Matters for Worcester
Poetry might seem like a niche thing, but these laureate positions represent something much bigger. They’re about giving voice to Worcester’s stories, celebrating our diversity, and creating spaces for creative expression across all our neighborhoods.
Think about it: how often do we get to see our city represented through art and poetry? How often do our young people get to see themselves reflected in positions of cultural leadership? These roles matter because they say Worcester values creativity, supports young voices, and believes in the power of words to bring people together.
The Poets Laureate serve as ambassadors of Worcester’s literary arts, but they’re also ambassadors of our community spirit, our resilience, and our creativity. They’re out there showing the world that Worcester isn’t just about manufacturing and colleges: we’re a city with soul, with stories to tell, and with young voices ready to lead.
Ready to Apply?
Whether you’re a seasoned poet ready to mentor the next generation or a young person with something to say about the Worcester experience, this could be your moment. Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back: if you feel called to represent Worcester through poetry, the city wants to hear from you.
For complete information about the City of Worcester Poets Laureate program, including program guidelines and links to applications, visit WorcesterMA.gov/Cultural-Development/Poet.
Worcester’s listening. The community’s ready for its next literary voices. The question is, will one of them be yours?
Have news, tips, or a story Worcester needs to hear? Reach Editor-in-Chief Jerry Filmore at jfilmore@whatsupworcester.com or press@whatsupworcester.com (because community news starts with you.)
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