The Academy of American Poets is a nonprofit organization founded in 1934 in New York City. It champions American poets and poetry, supporting poets at all stages of their careers and fostering appreciation for contemporary poetry. The Academy is recognized for its extensive programs, including National Poetry Month, the Poem-a-Day series, and the American Poets magazine, which features contemporary poetry and critical essays.

The Academy also engages in educational outreach through programs like Poets-in-the-Schools, bringing poets into classrooms to inspire students. It sponsors over 200 annual poetry contests at colleges and universities, awarding cash prizes to thousands of student poets. With a commitment to financial support, the Academy distributes approximately $1.25 million annually to poets through various prize programs. It serves a diverse audience, including poets, poetry readers, educators, and the general public, making significant contributions to the literary culture in the U.S.