Urban Word Los Angeles’ core programs include, the Los Angeles Youth Poet Laureate Program, the CA State Youth Poet Laureate Program, and supporting Youth Poet Laureate partner programs in: Orange County, Ventura County, Oakland, Sacramento, San Jose, Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Long Beach, Alameda County, Stockton, San Francisco, Daily City, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Berkeley, Lake County, Rancho Cordova, and Santa Clara. We are always working to support the launch of new YPL programs across the state, broaden our workshop opportunities for young writers, and elevate the platforms for these young poets.

Our work with the Youth Poets Laureate (and their partner organizations) in these cities and regions supports writing programs and publishing opportunities, leadership trainings and writing retreats, and performance opportunities. We support writing workshops in local public library systems and present opportunities for young writers to work on their poetry portfolios, CV development, and leadership activities. Our core convening for CA Youth Poets Laureate provides seminars that engage poetry and performance, the publishing industry, and leadership training. Furthermore, UWLA hosts the state-wide platform to support the selection of the CA State Youth Poet Laureate, as well as the suite of opportunities that we support for that poet and the finalists; which includes one-on-one mentorship, a performance tour of the state, publishing opportunities, and professional development training (in the arts and leadership).