Deadline Approaching:

Submit Your Poetry for the Ned Foskey Prize by April 6

Student poets at Kalamazoo Valley Community College have an opportunity to share their voices and creativity through the annual Ned Foskey Poetry Prize, with submissions due April 6, 2026.

Open to all currently enrolled students, the contest celebrates original, unpublished poetry and encourages participants to explore language, storytelling and self-expression. Each student may submit up to three poems for consideration, offering flexibility for those who want to showcase a range of styles or themes.

The competition also provides an added incentive, with cash prizes awarded to the top three entries. First place will receive $150, second place $100 and third place $75. Beyond the awards, the contest reflects Kalamazoo Valley's ongoing commitment to supporting the arts and creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage in creative work outside the classroom. To ensure a fair review process, submissions should not include identifying information on the poems themselves. Instead, students are asked to include a separate cover page with their name, Valley number, contact information and the titles of their poems. Entries must be typed and can be submitted in person to the faculty reception desk or mailed to the college by the deadline.

Students who submit by mail should ensure their entries are postmarked by April 6. Those who would like confirmation of receipt are encouraged to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard. Because submissions will not be returned, students should keep copies of their work for their records.

For many, the Ned Foskey Poetry Prize is more than a contest. It is a chance to be heard, to connect with others through writing and to contribute to the creative community at Kalamazoo Valley.