The Word

We are a collective of professional and student writers committed to increasing youth access to safe

04/08/2026

9 young poets. 4 winners. 1 champion
 ✨ Christian H. (first timer) ✨ Grace Yoon (2024 CT Youth Slam Champ) ✨ Journey Rosa (2025 CT Youth Slam Champ) ✨ Shawn Douglas (2026 CT Youth Slam Champ🏆)

BUT—as poetry (and life) would have it—due to prior commitments, runner-ups Jayden Barrett and Lincey Bazile will be stepping in to complete the team.

Meet your 2026 CT Youth Slam Team heading to Brave New Voices in San Francisco 🌉

Deep gratitude to Neighborhood Music School for holding space, to our judges, volunteers, audience, staff and to every young poet who braved the mic.

Time to put in work. ✍🏽

03/30/2026

On January 31st, students from across Connecticut gathered at NXTHVN for the annual Poetry Out Loud Youth Summit

Led by our Artistic Director alongside a host of talented teaching artists, the summit offered hands-on workshops exploring the pillars of powerful performance.

A huge shoutout to our partners, sponsors and outreach coordinator, JHD–without you, this work isn’t possible!

And here’s a little secret… �This year’s champion was in the room.

Stay tuned as we share highlights from the State Finals and reveal the winner ahead of Nationals.

Photo credit: Tone Streater, RME Studios

03/13/2026

Calling all young poets, storytellers, and future teaching artists!

The Word is launching a Teaching Artist Mentorship for high school students (ages 13–19) who want to grow their creative voice and learn how to lead poetry workshops in their communities.

🗓 Saturdays | March 21 – May 23 ⏰ 12:00–1:30 PM 📍 NXTHVN | 169 Henry St., New Haven

This 10-week paid mentorship is designed for young creatives ready to step into leadership. Participants will:

Learn the basics of curriculum development Practice facilitating poetry workshops Receive mentorship from an experienced teaching artist Earn $25 per session

If you’re passionate about poetry, storytelling, and using your voice to inspire others, this opportunity is for you.

Registration link in bio Spots are limited!

02/19/2026

Due to unforeseen circumstances, today’s final preslam workshop has been cancelled.

No worries, we will be at Neighborhood Music School tomorrow at 4pm for any last minute support before doors open at 5pm

Bout draw will happen at 5:30pm and the competition will begin shortly after.

We look forward to hearing the amazing pieces these young poets have in store for us!

02/05/2026

🔥 CALLING ALL CT YOUTH POETS (13–19)! 🔥

The CT Youth Grand Poetry Slam is here! Bring your bars. Bring your truth. Bring your voice.

🗓 Feb 20, 2026
⏰ Doors open at 5pm 📍 Neighborhood Music School 📌 100 Audubon St. New Haven
👑 1st place crowned Youth Slam Champ
🏆 Top 4 winners receive cash 💵 prizes 🌍 Winners represent CT at Brave New Voices
📝 Sign-ups open Feb 5th 📲 Scan the QR code to register
 CT, we’re listening. 🎙️✨

01/16/2026

🔥 PREP FOR THE SLAM 🔥
The Word presents SLAM POETRY WORKSHOPS 🎤 Pull up for drop-in sessions designed to help you tighten your poems, strengthen your performance and get real feedback before the Word’s CT Youth Grand Slam.

📍 Neighborhood Music School 🗓 Feb 5 | Feb 12 | Feb 19 ⏰ 4–5:30 PM

✨ Top slam winners receive cash prizes ✈️ And the chance to represent CT at Brave New Voices in San Francisco where poets from across the country meet, compete and connect.
 Tag a young poet. Share with your friends. Let’s work. 💥✍🏽

01/15/2026

🎤 THE CT YOUTH POETRY SLAM 🎤
12 students.
Cash prizes.
The 2026 CT Youth Grand Slam Champion title and a chance to represent CT at in San Francisco.

📅 Sign-ups open Feb 5th
✨ First 12 poets secure a spot 📝 Waitlist opens once those spots are filled

Follow .nh for registration details.

01/14/2026

Calling all CT high school poets 🎙️
 The Poetry Out Loud Youth Summit is bringing together spoken word poets and teaching artists Yex, Midnight, Chief and Jahsun for an afternoon of hands-on workshops and live performance.
 Expect food, drinks, community and a closing open mic to share your voice.

Come sharpen your craft. Come build with emerging poets. RSVP & Tell a friend to tell a friend.

11/30/2025

Last month at Bring Your Voice in collaboration with and both the adult and youth CT Poet Laureate some truly inspiring conversations. Thank you to all who attended and performed

11/05/2025

The CT Youth Slam Team photo credits to and

10/22/2025

gracing the stage at Bring Your Voice

Address

New Haven, CT
06501-06540

Website

http://www.thewordpoetry.org/

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