The City of Hayward invites your application for the position of Youth Poet Laureate for 2026-2028!

The City of Hayward is ready to select its next Youth Poet Laureate!

Teens ages 13 to 19 who reside or attend school within the city limits of Hayward as of April 1, 2026 are invited to apply to be considered for a two-year term as Hayward's next Youth Poet Laureate. The term will last from April 2026 through March 2028.

The deadline to apply is March 17!

The Hayward Youth Poet Laureate is an ambassador between the ages of 13 and 19 representing the City of Hayward in the local literary arts community and representing poetry in the wider arts community. The Youth Poet Laureate will:

• Promote creativity and appreciation of poetry and the literary arts among Hayward youth
  

• Represent the City in a positive manner without criticizing Hayward policies, officials, or events while in their official role as Youth Poet Laureate
  

• Write up to two poems annually dedicated to Hayward or major occasions or current events affecting Hayward residents
  

• Be available to attend and perform their poetry at a minimum of two public events annually, including the Hayward LitHop on April 25, 2026 

• Serve a term of two years, tentatively slated to start in April of 2026

The selected Youth Poet Laureate will receive a prize of $500, provided by the office of Supervisor Elisa Marquez. The first and second runners-up will be awarded non-monetary prizes.

Apply by 11:59 p.m. on March 17!

We're also looking for a new Hayward Poet Laureate!