Since its founding in 1934, the Academy of American Poets has supported artists at all levels and stages of their careers through its Education Program. To fund its work with young writers from Kindergarten through 12th grade, the non-profit has hosted Poetry and the Creative Mind at the end of each April, a celebration concluding National Poetry Month. Since the evening’s inception 17 years ago, it has raised more than $2.75 million for budding poets and students. The 18th edition is the first to be held virtually, and also the first to be completely free to the public. The longtime cohost of the event, actress Meryl Streep, returns along with Regina King and Sandra Oh for a special reading. Other readers include the acclaimed country musician and lyricist Lucinda Williams, the chef and cookbook author Samin Nosrat, and the Tony Award-nominated actress and singer Lauren Ambrose. —C.J.F.