The national Poetry Out Loud recitation competition engages thousands of Vermont high school students every year. Created by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, the program provides pathways for students to explore, memorize, and recite great works of poetry. Participation in Poetry Out Loud begins at the classroom level around the country. Contestants choose and learn about poems from an extensive online anthology of classical and contemporary poetry while mastering public speaking skills as well as building self confidence. Beginning in March, teachers engage students through instruction in poetry and performance and organize contests involving one or more classes. Winners advance to the state finals in the spring, and the state champion advances to the national finals in Washington, D.C.