Poetry Slam!
About the Event
Each November, Cleveland SCORES hosts its highly anticipated Poetry SLAM!—a powerful evening that showcases the unique voices and creativity of our Poet-Athletes.
Designed for Core Program students (Grades 3–5), Poetry SLAM! celebrates the culmination of our fall writing season—Power of Poetry—and offers an opportunity for students to share their original works on stage before an audience of family members, teachers, and community leaders.
Representing their schools, dozens of young poets deliver heartfelt, funny, and inspiring performances that showcase the power of creative expression and teamwork. Our annual Poetry SLAM! reminds everyone that when students find their voices, they can spark change in their schools, neighborhoods, and beyond.
Where Poetry Meets Play
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DATE: November
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LOCATION: Waetjen Auditorium (2001 Euclid Ave.)
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FAMILY & COMMUNITY RECEPTION: 5:30–6:30 PM
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SLAM PERFORMANCES: 6:30–8:30 PM
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WHO ATTENDS: Core Poet-Athletes (Grades 3–5), as well as their families, coaches, school partners, community supporters, and donors
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COST: Free and open to the community
Action Shots from Poetry Slam! 2025
Our Poetry Award Winners
Congratulations to all our winners
from this year’s Poetry SLAM!
Gold Mic Award: Warner Girls Leadership Academy
Silver Mic Award: Orchard STEM Boys Team
Bronze Mic Award: St. Thomas Aquinas
Leadership Award: Franklin D. Roosevelt Academy
Teamwork Award: Scranton Elementary
Commitment Award: Natividad Pagan International Newcomers Academy
Become a Volunteer or Sponsor
Poetry SLAM! wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers and community partners, who help coordinate performances, welcome guests, support students, and sponsor the event. Whether you’re a poetry lover, community leader, or first-time volunteer, we’d love for you to get involved!
To learn more about volunteer and/or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kloby Reddy, our program director, at program@americascorescleveland.org.
Thank You to Our Community Partners
Poetry SLAM! is made possible through the generous support of our incredible community partners, who help amplify student voices and celebrate the arts across Cleveland.
