EEYP Poetry Contest Submissions

About Expose Excellence Youth Program

Mission: To provide a safe environment for youth interaction while promoting positive self- expression and development of life skills and artistic expression.

Expose Excellence Youth Program is accepting submissions for the 2026 Black History Month Poetry Contest.

The top 3 finalists will recite their poems and be awarded at the 4th annual Exposing Black Artistry event on February 7th.

Fort Bend County youth may submit an original poem only using the form below and following the guidelines below.

Registrant must be ages 10-17
Must reside in Fort Bend County
Must be enrolled in a school within Fort Bend County or homeschooled
Must submit by deadline using this submission form
Emailed submissions will not be accepted
Must be available 2/7 to recite poem if selected as a finalist
Submissions with profanity or inappropriate content will be disqualified

The contest will close on Friday, January 30th at 8:00am

If you have any questions, please contact the EEYP Coordinators: raven.forrester@fortbendcountytx.gov or wendi.palomera@fortbendcountytx.gov

Student Name*

First NameLast Name

Student Age*

Student Email*

You will be contacted via email if you are a finalist!

Zip Code*

School*

Must be a school within Fort Bend County or homeschooled

Grade*

Shirt Size*

PROMPT: 100 Years of Black History Month

Poems should explore unity, connection, and the shared experiences that have shaped Black history over the past 100 years.

As you write, consider:

What moments, voices, or traditions stand out to you?
How do the past and present connect?
How does unity show up in history, culture, or community?

Use your poem to celebrate Black History Month and the power of coming together.

Please type or copy & paste your submission below.

Enter submission below. *

Are you available to attend the event on Saturday, February 7th if you are selected as a finalist? You must be present to claim the prize.*

YesNo

Parent/ Guardian 1*

First NameLast Name

Parent/Guardian Email Address*

Parents will receive a confirmation email and may be contacted to confirm attendance.

Parent/Guardian Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Parent/Guardian 2 (optional)

First NameLast Name

Parent/Guardian 2 Email Address (optional)

Parents will receive a confirmation email and may be contacted to confirm attendance.

Parent/Guardian 2 Phone Number (optional)

Please enter a valid phone number.

Background Information
The information below is collected for demographic reporting purposes and is kept confidential. This information will not be used for the contest criteria.

Race (select all that apply)

Primary Language In Home

EnglishSpanishOther

Please review the standard terms & conditions for participation in Expose Excellence Youth Program events and activities:

Permission to Obtain Medical Care

I authorize the Expose Excellence Youth Program to obtain medical care for my child in the event of an emergency. I understand that I am financially responsible for any medical services provided. Emergency care may include transportation by emergency vehicle, pre-hospital treatment, and any hospital, surgical, medical, or dental services deemed necessary for my child’s health and safety.

Media Release

I grant permission for my child to be photographed and/or recorded during program activities. I understand that these images, recordings, and/or my child’s name may be used by the Expose Excellence Youth Program and its affiliates in publications, promotional materials, media outlets, or online platforms. I agree that such use is without compensation and releases me from any liability related to their use.

Liability Waiver

I give permission for my child to participate in the Expose Excellence Youth Program. In consideration of participation, I release Expose Excellence, its employees, agents, and contractors (‘protected parties’) from any and all liability for claims, demands, losses, costs, expenses, injuries, or damages of any kind arising from program activities, including those that may result from the negligent, grossly negligent, reckless, or willful acts of the protected parties. I waive any such claims that I or my child may have against the protected parties.

Disclosure of Information

Participants in the Expose Excellence Youth Program have the right to confidentiality and privacy. Personal information will not be shared by the program without your written consent.

I acknowledge that I have read and understood the policies and waiver of liability above, and I agree to follow the Expose Excellence Youth Program guidelines and cooperate with staff.