The Knicks Poetry Slam was created in 2003 to reach today's high school youth by using the popularity of hip-hop and poetry as a vehicle to motivate and inspire expression through the written and spoken word. With the growth of the program, the Knicks and program partner Urban Word NYC have provided greater opportunities for high school students to use their poetic skills and talents to pursue higher education. The program serves over 30,000 students annually through school site visits, a Poetry Open Audition, a College Fair, Workshops, Poetry Slams and social media.

The Knicks Poetry Slam Program is broken up into two contests, Spoken Word and Written. Participants in the Spoken Word contest perform poetry live for a chance to win grants to the college of their choice. Written Competition participants submit a portfolio of work including original poetry, an essay about why they write, community service projects and their resume. Winners receive full four year tuition scholarships. The 2011-2012 Program will provide students with more than $450,000 in college grants, scholarships and prizes.

Knicks Poetry Slam Finals
Thursday, March 8th 2012
6:00PM DOORS OPEN
7:00PM - 9:00PM
New Amsterdam Theatre
214 WEST 42ND STREET NEW YORK, NY 10036
(Between 7th and 8th Avenues)

Please RSVP by emailing: knicks.poetryslam@msg.com