There are five judges, representing a diverse group of experts from literacy, arts and educational organizations as well as local artists and activists.  

The new Youth Poet Laureate will be notified by Friday, April 9, 2021, and will be publicly announced at the virtual Salinas City Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. 

While there are no specific events planned at this time, the Salinas Youth Poet Laureate and the Finalists may be invited to host a poetry reading at the Salinas Public Library, or at other City of Salinas events throughout the year. The Laureate may also be asked to share their experiences with the press and through blogs, videos and social media.   

The Salinas Youth Poet Laureate may also represent Salinas and its youth at public and private events, and will be a model for other youth for a period of one year.  

To enter the 2024 Salinas Youth Poet Laureate contest, you must be:

- a Salinas resident

- between the ages of 13 and 19 as of May 1, 2024

- ideally be available to serve as Youth Poet Laureate for two years (May 2024 - March 2026)