Know a teen who loves poetry? This new program might inspire their inner Walt Whitman. The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County has partnered with Urban Word, the founder of the National Youth Poet Laureate program, to launch a Youth Poet Laureate program right here in town. It's sponsored by Bookstore1Sarasota.

The program aims to identify and celebrate teen writers across Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, and Charlotte counties.

Each poet laureate will serve a one-year term of service that includes promoting a wide range of literary arts. They'll participate in ceremonial, educational and cultural activities throughout  the region. The goal? To help bring students of all ages and the general public together while encouraging community members to develop their own creative interests.

"This will be a fabulous experience for local youth," says Georgia Court, owner of Bookstore1Sarasota. "It's is an educational experience that focuses on community involvement."

Applications are due Sept. 30, and teens between the age of 13-19 are welcome to apply. There will be info session closer to the due date for those who have questions. You can apply online or pick up a physical copy at Bookstore1Sarasota's front desk.