Valentina Zeff Continues Second Term as YPL 2026-2027
We are so happy to announce Modesto High School student Valentina Zeff is serving a second term as Stanislaus County’s Youth Poet Laureate, from June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027.
About Valentina Zeff
Valentina Zeff is a seventeen-year-old poet from Modesto, California, and a student in the International Baccalaureate program at Modesto High School. She has been writing free verse poetry since her freshman year of high school.
Beyond her writing, Zeff is actively involved in her school and community through leadership, service, and advocacy. She serves as the Division 46 North Lieutenant Governor for Key Club, is a member of the Modesto Youth Commission (2024-2026), and has represented Modesto High School on the Student Senate throughout her freshman, sophomore, and junior years.
Her work has been featured in Stanislaus Connections, she has spoken at community events, and she received a Silver Key in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for poetry. As the Stanislaus County Youth Poet Laureate, Zeff is best known for creating a countywide tiny poem anthology contest that promoted youth voices through poetry.
ABOUT THE YOUTH POET LAUREATE PROGRAM
Are you a teen? Are you SUPER into poetry? We want to hear from you!
The process for choosing the Youth Poet Laureate for Stanislaus County:
Teens ages 15–19 who reside or go to school in Stanislaus County may submit up to five original works of poetry demonstrating their commitment to the mastery of the art and craft of poetry.
Submission Dates: Applications Open November 1, 2026
The Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center is pleased to announce that applications for Youth Poet Laureate for the 2027-2028 term will open on November 1, 2026.
The Youth Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for poetry and the young people of our community. This position offers a meaningful opportunity for a talented young writer to share their voice, participate in literary and community events, and help inspire other young poets.
Applicants will be invited to submit original poetry and written responses through our online application form. Complete eligibility requirements, application instructions, and program details will be available when the application period opens.
Please check back on November 1 to apply.
YOUTH POET LAUREATE WILL:
- receive $500 honorarium
- serve a one-year term from June 1, 2027 – May 31, 2028
- ; youth laureate may be asked to serve a second term upon mutual agreement.
- make public appearances throughout Stanislaus County; please think about whether you have a form of transportation to locations in other parts of the city or in other Stanislaus County cities
- live in or be enrolled in a school in Stanislaus County at time of submission and for the entire term if chosen
- attest that their work is solely their own original creative work
- work with a mentor from the Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center; display their poems in the Young Adult section of the Modesto Library and will mentor others
- write at least 3 poems during their term and present these at events to be decided
- participate in at least two poetry events in the community focusing on engaging other youth in poetry. Examples of these possible Youth Poet Laureate activities are as follows:
- Create a poetry-related project of their own, the Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center will offer assistance/support;
- Feature at a reading as part of the Second Tuesday Reading Series at the end of their term; and/or
- Write a poem for the City of Modesto’s Poet’s Corner event.
SAMPLE OF ITEMS TYPICALLY REQUIRED AS PART OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The application process usually consists of elements such as an application that shows your vision for the youth poet laureate role, describes the experiences and activities that show you’re ready to be in this role, and samples of your poetry attached to or pasted into a form. Applicants may also be asked–either at the initial stage or as part of a finalist stage–to submit a video recording of a poem reading; to interview with the selection committee on Zoom; to get permission from a parent or guardian; and/or to have a teacher or trusted community member write a letter of recommendation.
Please check back on November 1 for specifics and to apply.
Program Supporters and Partners
The Stanislaus County Youth Poet Laureate program is administered by Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center (MoSt Poetry) with partners MJC Library & Learning Center & MJC School of Language Arts & Education, Stanislaus County Office of Education, Stanislaus County Library, and Stanislaus Library Foundation.
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