Rancho Cordova

Youth Poet Laureate Program

916 Ink is launching Rancho Cordova’s Youth Poet Laureate program, available to students ages 13-19 that reside in the city of Rancho Cordova. We are thrilled at the opportunity to further mentor young poets and share how their art can inspire and be applied through civic engagement and social impact.

What does it mean to be Youth Poet Laureate?

Poet Laureate is an honorary title for a poet who represents a specific region with their art, especially through civic engagement. Many important writers have held this title nationally, including Joy Harjo, Rita Dove, Juan Felipe Herrera, and, most recently Ada Limón. National Youth Poet Laureates have included Amanda Gormon and Sacramento’s own Alexandra Huynh.

The 24-25 YPL Winner will receive…

• A $500 scholarship to a writing conference.

• The opportunity to publish a chapbook of their work, that becomes available in select Rancho Cordova locations.

• Mentorship with 916 Ink for 1 year.

• Civic engagement and other public speaking opportunities.

• An awesome reference and experience to add to your resume.

Poetry Workshops at the Rancho Cordova Youth Center

In the workshop series, participants will:

• Learn and generate poetry

• Learn about the relationship between poetry and civic engagement

• Select and revise poetry for submission

• Learn and practice poetry performance

• Create and develop a poetry portfolio and

  Brag Sheet (or resume)

** YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN ORDER TO ATTEND WORKSHOPS & VISA VERSA. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO TAKE WORKSHOPS IN ORDER TO COMPETE. **

History of the Program

Paola-Marie Eulie, 23-24

Paola-Marie Eulie (age 16) is a proud Rancho Cordova poet and dedicated eleventh grader at Christian Brothers High School. Her love for poetry began in third grade when presented with the silly prompt, “Every day I go out, I stuff my shoes with sauerkraut.” She currently serves as the 23-24 Rancho Cordova Youth Poet Laureate and is passionate about making literacy fun and accessible to all, especially youth.

In additon to poetry, Paola-Marie serves on the Youth Ministry at St. John Vianney Catholic Church and is an elected monthly reader. She is bilingual (English/Mandarin), a blackbelt in taekwondo, and has played piano for the past ten years. In her free time, she also enjoys fencing, reading, and caring for animals, especially her Cairn Terrier Sofia. Paola-Marie is considering becoming an English teacher in the future to help other young people see the FUN in literacy too.

This program is made in part by the City of Rancho Cordova

Community Enhancement & Investment Fund.