Who is known for writing these words? Why, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Alumna Sylvia Plath, of course!  She became a famous poet, novelist and short story writer and is known for writing her first poem at the age of eight, but did you know, in her teen years, Sylvia won an Art & Writing Award?

Our friends at the Alliance for Artists & Young Writers have a long legacy of being the first to recognize the talent of future literary greats and today they made an exciting announcement about new way they will honor creativity in teens – specifically, America’s teen poets.

In partnership with the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Alliance launched the National Student Poets Program.  Each year, judges will select five outstanding high school poets from the pool of national Scholastic Art & Writing Awards winners in the category of poetry.  They will receive not just the recognition but also an academic award, the opportunity to work with poet mentors, and be able to display their work across the country!

Even the most experienced writer can sometimes be intimidated at the thought of writing poetry, and we have to say, we’re excited that the Alliance is giving teens another opportunity to impress the world with their talent and be a powerful voice of inspiration for all ages. You can learn more about the National Student Poets Program here.

Start writing, teens!