Student Poetry Contest

Application Open

Application closes March 13 at 4:30 p.m. View the timeline for more information.

San Antonio’s Poet Laureate Eddie Vega kicks off his signature initiative with a Student Poetry Contest. Ten poems by San Antonio students will be selected and paired with works by legendary local poets. Side-by-side, poems will be showcased public buildings—libraries, schools, and community centers—throughout the city.

Timeline

  • February 16, 2026: Application opens
  • March 13, 2026: Application closes (4:30 p.m. CST)
  • March 16 – 31, 2026: Panel review
  • April 2, 2026: Notification of winners

Prize

Ten selected student poets will receive:

  • $100 prize.
  • Published poem on a San Antonio library or community center.
  • Opportunity to recite poem at 2026 Viva Poesia on April 11, 2026.
  • A Department of Arts & Culture gift bag.

Apply

Step 1.Requirements

Submissions must meet all requirements to qualify:

  • Submissions must come from students (grades 9 — 12) who reside in Bexar County.
  • Only one entry per student.
  • Address the theme San Antonio community and culture; examples may include San Antonio’s landscape (flora and fauna) and/or people (from here or otherwise important to the area).
  • Original work created specifically for this contest by one poet.
  • No longer than 12 lines.
  • Poem should not have any identifying information to include school or poet’s name.

Step 2.Apply

Apply Online

Poems will be evaluated on theme, creativity, and originality by Poet Laureate Eddie Vega and representatives from the poetry community and the Department of Arts & Culture. Selected poets will be notified individually and announced publicly by the City of San Antonio.

Contact

Email

Andrew Gearhart

Phone

210-207-6959

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 839966
San Antonio, TX 78283

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