Commission backs exploring a youth poet laureate program for grades 6–12

Commissioners discussed a proposal to establish a youth poet laureate program to give young people a public platform and mentorship connections. Commissioners suggested limiting eligibility to middle- and high-school students (grades 6–12) with one-year terms to sustain interest and allow turnover. "It sounds like there's a good baseline of information—maybe grades 6 through 12, establishing like one-year terms," one commissioner said during the discussion.

Members recommended partnering with local colleges and K–12 instructors for mentorship and selection (Concordia and MSUM were mentioned), offering public readings or a small publication as program outputs, and clarifying requirements (workshops, readings or publication) during the application process. Staff (Ethan) said he would prepare an outline and a proposed selection framework for the commission to review at a future meeting; no formal motion to establish the program was made at this meeting.