The Academy of American Poets has a long history of championing the role of poet laureate, including by being a resource listing local poets laureate and providing information to communities interested in creating new poets laureate positions.
In 2019, we expanded on this work, and our prizes and fellowships for poets, by launching the Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowships. These $50,000 awards are given to honor poets of literary merit appointed to serve in civic positions and to support them in creating new work, as well as to enable them to undertake meaningful, impactful, and innovative projects that enrich the lives of their neighbors, including youth, through responsive and interactive poetry activities.
In addition to the other eligibility and application criteria, the concept, scope, components, depth, geographic reach, and community support of the proposed project will be considered by a panel of award-winning poets and leaders in poetry and civic engagement. Final award decisions will be approved and finalized by members of the Academy of American Poets Board of Directors.
The fellowships were established in partnership with the Mellon Foundation. Read more about the 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellows and their civic projects.
Applications for the 2024 Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowships were accepted from January 31, 2024 to April 8, 2024.