The Word is a transformative literary arts program powered by an intergenerational cooperative of diverse, justice-minded spoken word artists. The Word builds community by growing radically inclusive writing and performance programs grounded in poetry, rap, and song. Through its many partnerships, The Word brings a creative life force into social action groups, movements, and institutions – expanding our collective capacity to re-imagine ourselves and our world.
OVERVIEW
Arts education is an essential tool for educational change in New Haven. We believe that increasing students' access to the arts through The Word will dramatically improve their educational outcomes, as consistently borne out by research. We also believe training teachers on integrating arts into the curriculum will extend these gains to students who may not even be directly involved with the program. To support our mission of empowering New Haven youth through poetry and performance, The Word offers several in and out of school programs in addition to community events. Look below to learn more!
2025-2026 in review
Youth Laureates
The Word stewards the selection process for the New Haven and State of Connecticut Youth Poet Laureates.
The Youth Poet Laureate programs recognize and support young writers who demonstrate artistic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to civic engagement through poetry. The programs uplift youth as cultural leaders, using poetry as a tool for advocacy, storytelling, and social impact—locally in New Haven and across Connecticut.
Congratulations to the 2025 Youth Elm City Poet Laureate Henry Mead!
The Word's Artistic Director Yexandra "Yex" Diaz, Henry Mead and Project Coordinator JHD
YOUTH SLAM - FEB 20th 2026
The Word is hosted it's 2026 CT Youth Slam on February 20th from 5:30-8:00 at Neighborhood Music School! Poets aged 13-19 were eligible to compete for the chance to represent CT at Brave New Voices, an annual international poetry festival and competition, to win cash prizes and the coveted title of CT Youth Grand Slam Champion.
CONGRATS to Shawn Douglas, our 2026 1st Place Winner!
WINTER WORKSHOPS
To prep for the 2026 Youth Slam, The Word partnered with Neighborhood Music School to offer free spoken word workshops! Students came to practice and receive help, advice, and feedback from our Teaching Artists on their poetry.
Workshops took place on February 5, 12, and 19 from 4:30-6:00 at Neighborhood Music School.
ABOUT OUR WORKSHOPS
Our workshops are a great way for students to practice writing, experiment with different styles, build confidence and experience in performing, and meet others with similar interests. One of the Word’s Teaching Artists (TA) will perform a piece and provide a writing prompt to inspire writing and discussion. Students then have the opportunity to perform their pieces, and the TA assists by providing guidance and feedback. These workshops can be offered in hybrid format (in person and via zoom). Please contact us if you are interested in hosting a weekly workshop at your venue!
Youth Slam Team
Ink Theory is the 2026 BRAVE NEW VOICES NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
The Youth Slam Team program is a multi-tiered pathway for young poets to develop their craft, build community, and compete on local and national stages. The program fosters artistic growth, teamwork, and leadership while amplifying youth voices, culminating in a trip to Brave New Voices