Your child can register now for upcoming Pittsburgh Teen Poetry Slam contest

Is there a teenager in your family who might have some words to share?

The 2024 Pittsburgh Teen Poetry Slam contest, organized by the City of Asylum Youth Poet Laureate, Hallie Dong, is happening on Feb. 23 at Shaler Library from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. All young poets in grades 6 through 12 who live within driving distance of the Pittsburgh area are welcome to attend, whether they wish to just listen or to compete for cash prizes up to $100.

“Slam poetry offers a uniquely expressive medium to engage with audiences in emotionally charged and deeply personal performances,” says Dong. “While there will only be one winner in each age category, all contest participants may expect their poetry writing and public performing skills to be honed and exercised. We believe in the transformative power of poetry, and hope to provide a platform to amplify the voices and ideas of young poets.”

The panel of judges includes Doralee Brook, poet laureate of City of Asylum and Allegheny County, and Alexa Bocek, staff educator at SLB Radio.

Interested teenagers are invited to register by Feb. 6.