Poetry Out Loud is a national recitation competition in the United States that encourages high school students to engage with poetry. Participants select and memorize poems from a provided anthology, then perform them in front of judges. The program aims to foster a love for poetry and improve public speaking skills. The competition begins at the classroom level, advancing to school, regional, and state competitions, culminating in a national finals event. Poetry Out Loud is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, promoting literary arts and cultural appreciation among young people.