River of Words

Who

Students (and their teachers) in grades K-12.

What

A poetry and art competition for students on the theme of watersheds and the environment designed to help youth explore the natural and cultural history of the place they live, and to express what they discover in poetry and visual art. Colorado Humanities & Center for the Book, in affiliation with The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, implements River of Words statewide judging and coordinates the Student Literary Awards in the spring.

Why

Winners of River of Words are published in the annual Student Literary Awards Anthology and receive prizes from local businesses. River of Words winners are also published in the Colorado Foundation for Water Education publication, Headwaters.

Where

Students throughout Colorado are encouraged to enter.

How Much

Free entry for students and free curriculum for teachers.

When

Deadline for the competition is December 1 each year. The winners of River of Words will be celebrated at the annual Student Literary Awards to be held at the Denver Public Library in Spring.

Start Here

Please click here for Contest information and entry forms.
River of Words Video
Teaching the Poetry of Rivers Curriculum (for teachers)
Purchase the Student Literary Awards Anthology

For more information contact Christine Goff, 303.894.7951 x21, Fax 303.864.9361, goff@coloradohumanities.org.