Poem-a-Day - Introducing the Inaugural Poem Contest

The Academy of American Poets is pleased to announce the Inaugural Poem Project and Contest for Students. Richard Blanco, who will serve as this year's contest judge, is one of only five poets in American history to be commissioned by a President Elect to write and deliver a poem for their Presidential Inauguration. Like Blanco’s “One Today,” which he composed for and read at President Obama’s second inauguration in 2013, these poems have uplifted millions of viewers of these historic events, conveying the country’s challenges, strengths, and hope for its future.

We invite teachers to use this lesson plan sequence and assignment to ask students to try their hand at writing their own Inaugural poems as part of the Inaugural Poem Project, and to submit them to the 2021 Inaugural Poem Contest. Three students’ poems will be selected by special guest judge, Richard Blanco.

The winning poems will be featured on Poets.org and in American Poets magazine. The first place-winning student will receive $500. The second place-winning student will receive $300; third place will receive $150. Submissions will be accepted online between November 30 and December 30, 2020. Please stay tuned and follow this page to access the entry form.