In 2006, The Poetry Center launched its first annual Poetry Prize for High School Girls in Massachusetts (open to sophomores and juniors); since then, the contest has expanded into the other New England states and New York. Poet Naomi Shihab Nye graciously agreed to be the first judge, and each contest since has been judged by another prestigious poet. The winner receives a $500 prize from The Poetry Center in recognition of her outstanding work, and the winner and finalists are invited to share their work at a reading at Smith College.

This year’s judge is Erika Meitner.

Learn more here.