# Richard Wilbur Poetry Award

An annual poetry award honoring Richard Wilbur, recognizing outstanding unpublished poems submitted for consideration.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | University of Maine at Farmington |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Anywhere (online) |
| Apply | https://www.umf.maine.edu/wilbur-award/ |

## About this program

The Richard Wilbur Poetry Award is an annual literary prize established to honor the legacy of Richard Wilbur, the two-time Pulitzer Prize–winning American poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate. Administered through the University of Maine at Farmington, the award typically recognizes a manuscript or collection of poems of high literary merit, with the winner often receiving publication and/or a cash honorarium.

This award is a **general poetry prize** rather than a high school–specific program, and it is usually open to adult poets and emerging writers rather than being targeted exclusively at secondary school students. As such, it is best suited to serious writers who already have a substantial body of work and are ready to submit a polished collection for consideration. Benefits include professional recognition, potential publication, and an association with a prize named for one of the major American poets of the 20th century.

High school students interested in poetry can still look to the Richard Wilbur Poetry Award as a model of professional-level standards in contemporary poetry prizes, but they should verify current eligibility requirements before attempting to enter.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Richard Wilbur Poetry Award cost?

Richard Wilbur Poetry Award is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for Richard Wilbur Poetry Award?

Richard Wilbur Poetry Award 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 Richard Wilbur Poetry Award online or in person?

Richard Wilbur Poetry Award is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to Richard Wilbur Poetry Award?

Apply directly through University of Maine at Farmington'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: 2026-07-04.
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