# Citywide Poets

Detroit's award-winning after-school poetry program for teens: weekly October-May workshops led by local writers, plus open mics, the Detroit Youth Poetry Con, publication, and a citywide slam feeding a performance troupe.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | InsideOut Literary Arts |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Detroit, MI |
| Apply | https://insideoutdetroit.org/programs/after-school/ |

## About this program

# Citywide Poets

Citywide Poets is the after-school teen program of InsideOut Literary Arts, the Detroit youth literary nonprofit that has helped more than 65,000 of the city's young people build literary and academic skills through creative writing since 1995. From October through May, weekly sessions at sites around the city are led by local writers who coach teens in craft, performance, and life in Detroit's artist community.

## What You'll Do

- Attend weekly creative writing workshops from October to May at a site near you
- Work with guest writers, including nationally recognized poets
- Perform at open mics, the citywide Detroit Youth Poetry Slam at the Charles H. Wright Museum, and the annual Detroit Youth Poetry Con
- Publish your work and compete for a spot on InsideOut's Detroit Youth Performance Troupe

## Who Should Apply

Detroit-area high school teens at any level of experience - page poets, performers, and beginners alike. Registration for each school year opens through InsideOut's site (the 2025/26 sign-up ran via the program's online form), and signature events like the Poetry Con are free and open to all teens.

## Outcomes

Citywide Poets alumni leave with a performance and publication record, mentorship from Detroit's professional writing community, and pathways to honors such as the performance troupe and youth poet laureate opportunities. The program is one of the longest-running youth spoken word institutions in the Midwest.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for Citywide Poets?

Citywide Poets is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Citywide Poets online or in person?

Citywide Poets is an in-person program based in Detroit, MI.

### How do I apply to Citywide Poets?

Apply directly through InsideOut Literary Arts's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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