Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers, hosted by The Kenyon Review, is a distinguished competition that celebrates the voices of emerging poets. Established in 2007, the prize is open to high school sophomores and juniors worldwide, offering a rare opportunity for young writers to gain recognition in the literary world.

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An Early Start to a Literary Career

The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers is a career catalyst. Aimed at high school sophomores and juniors, this prestigious award has helped launch the literary paths of many young poets, offering a rare platform for early recognition in The Kenyon Review, one of the most revered literary journals in the world. For emerging voices, being published in The Kenyon Review at such a formative stage often leads to additional publication offers, scholarship opportunities, and acceptance into top-tier writing programs and universities.

Past winners and finalists have gone on to earn honors such as admission to the National Student Poets Program, the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio, and publication in prestigious outlets like Poetry Northwest, Adroit Journal, and Ploughshares. The prize not only validates young talent but also introduces it to the literary world with authority and reach. In an era when early exposure can shape long-term creative development, the Patricia Grodd Prize remains one of the most respected and transformative opportunities for young poets in the United States.

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A Highly Competitive and Prestigious Prize for Poetry

Each year, the Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize attracts a vast pool of exceptional young poets from across the United States and around the world. With hundreds of submissions from high school sophomores and juniors, the competition is known for its rigorous selection process, overseen by The Kenyon Review’s esteemed editorial staff. Only the most original, emotionally resonant, and finely crafted poems rise to the top, making recognition an accurate marker of early literary promise.

The first-place winner receives a full scholarship to the Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop, a highly regarded, immersive summer program where students refine their voice under the mentorship of nationally recognized poets and educators. In addition to publication in The Kenyon Review, this experience offers invaluable access to a vibrant community of peers and professionals, often serving as a stepping stone to future fellowships, publications, and academic opportunities in the literary arts.

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Encouraging the Next Generation of Poets

The prize honors Patricia Grodd, a passionate advocate for the arts and a longtime supporter of The Kenyon Review. Her legacy endures through this competition, which nurtures the creative potential of young poets and inspires them to strive for literary excellence. By providing early recognition and growth opportunities, the Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize helps cultivate the next generation of literary voices.

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How to Enter

Submissions for the Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize typically open in November and close in early December each year. There is no entry fee, making the competition accessible to all young poets, regardless of financial background. Interested students can submit one poem for consideration via the publication's website.

For high school students eager to share their poetry with the world, the Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize offers a unique and invaluable opportunity to gain recognition, mentorship, and a place in the literary community. More information can be found on The Kenyon Review’s website.