2026 Submissions Accepted:

April 1, 2026 - June 1, 2026

Theme: “What We’re Carrying Now”

Semi-Finalists: September 1, 2026

Finalists: October 20, 2026

YAPC 2026 THEME

This year’s theme is “What We’re Carrying Now: We are seeking poems that center on personal loss, collective memory, survival, endurance, or the emotional weight of living in today’s social and political climate.

We are looking for writing that lingers and reminds us why poetry still matters. How have you been processing this moment in history? Bring us the weight you’ve been holding. Bring us the language that knows how to hold it.

“A poet is one who distills experience. A poet looks—sees.”

— Gwendolyn Brooks

YAPC Alumni

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YAPC Alumni 〰️

A Few of Our Poetry Contest Alumni!

Will you join them?

Sponsors and Judges

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Sponsors and Judges 〰️

Questions? Comments? Please use the form below to contact us!