Update: Our judges are hard at work. Winning Poets and their work will be Announced by May 17th!
Do you know a Worcester 7th or 8th grader who writes poetry, has an interest in poems, or know a Worcester school with students just like that? Have them apply for the opportunity to get published for the first time and share their voice!
Submissions will be accepted starting March 1, 2026, through April 15, 2026. Winners will be announced by May 5, 2026. A reading and awards ceremony will be held in late May/early June of 2026.
The Curt Curtin Youth Poetry Award seeks to incentivize, recognize, and celebrate the diverse voices of young poets within the City of Worcester. For its inaugural run, the award is open to 7th and 8th graders who attend Worcester Public or charter schools, or are homeschooled in the City of Worcester.
Winners of this Contest, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place available, can win up to 75 dollars and the chance to be published in the Three Decker!
Click below for the official rules and guidelines
More about Curt Curtin
Curt G. Curtin was a respected poet and lifelong educator who published four full-length poetry collections for adults, one for children, and one for young adults. He received several local awards for his poetry, along with grants from the Worcester Arts Council and the Mass Cultural Council. Curtin taught English at Westfield State College (now WSU) for 20 years, following several years teaching younger students.
The Curt Curtin Youth Poetry Award is made possible by an endowment made in his memory to the WCPA from Dee O’Connor, Curt’s loving wife.