Lancaster will name its first ever Youth Poet Laureate on April 1st at The Trust Performing Arts Center from 7-8 pm. The event will include student performances and light refreshments. The Lancaster City Youth Poet Laureate is a program of The Mix at Arbor Place with support from various local community and government organizations. The Lancaster City Youth Poet Laureate program aims to identify young writers and leaders who are committed to civic and community engagement, poetry & performance, human relations, diversity, and education across Lancaster City.

The Youth Poet Laureate is selected based on submissions from young poets ages 13-18 who reside in the School District of Lancaster. A group of esteemed judges select five finalists who are each given the distinction of Lancaster City Youth Poet Ambassador. Along with winning the prestigious title of Lancaster City Youth Poet Laureate, the winning poet will have his or her work published by Third Point Press and Motivos Magazine. The winner will also receive a $1,000 scholarship to be used in the pursuit of higher education. The Lancaster City Youth Poet Laureate program is generously sponsored by Urban Word, Consolidated School of Business, and The Trust Performing Arts Center.

All inquiries about the program can be sent to Assistant Executive Director Jeremy Raff at jraff@arborplace.org.