Program Objectives

1. Encourage the appreciation and writing of poetry at all levels of education,including "special education" classes in the New York City public schools. A focus on general literacy is necessary for such appreciation.
2. Present workshops in public schools.
3. Publicly read and listen to the poetry created by public school students on Festival Day.
4. Maintain a continuity for interested alumni in the literary activities and outreach efforts of CCNY.
5. Maintain a written record of these activities through Poetry in Performance.
6. Reach out through the art of poetry to various NYC community centers.
7. Maintain ties with professional poetry institutions such as the Poetry Society of America, Poets House, Teachers & Writers Collaborative, and The Poetry Center of the 92nd Street Y.

* Please note that Knopf/Random House provides funding for our high school winners on a yearly basis.