Education
Thank you so much to MidWestOne for sponsoring Englert Education! Their support helps make our engagements, workshops, and other educational experiences more accessible to our community.
Education and the arts belong together.
At The Englert, we believe that creativity sparks growth, confidence, and connection. Our programs are designed to inspire learners of every age to think critically, dream boldly, and express themselves freely.
Programming
The Sarah Shonrock Educational Fund was created to support our educational efforts within the local community. It is named in honor and memory of Sarah Shonrock, former Operations Director and beloved Englert team member of 17 years.
As an arts advocate, Sarah was deeply passionate about ensuring access to education, particularly for underserved youth. Her love of the arts was a driving force for The Englert during her time at the organization.
After many years of contribution as an arts administrator, educator, and mentor, Sarah tragically passed away in 2023, but her inspiring commitment left a lasting impact on the local community.
- “Sarah believed the arts are for everyone. She wanted The Englert to be a place where everyone felt welcome and acknowledged, and where no one felt excluded. Our family is so grateful that this fund will honor Sarah’s ideals and her spirit and that they will continue to be a priority at The Englert.” – Sarah’s husband, Derek Shonrock
This fund will help sustain ongoing and upcoming educational experiences for the public, breaking down barriers to access for K-12 students and marginalized populations. Through the fund, The Englert strives to reduce or eliminate the cost of participation in its educational programming. The fund is supported by individual donations, sponsorships, grants, and allocation from The Englert’s annual operating budget.
The Nonfiction Writing Fellowship was created in partnership with the University of Iowa to support the professional growth of emerging writers in the Iowa Nonfiction Writing Program. Each year, the fellowship provides one student with unique access to The Englert’s arts programming, community resources, and creative network, fostering an exchange between literary practice and the performing arts.
As part of The Englert’s broader education initiatives, the fellow leads creative writing workshops that explore the relationship between nonfiction storytelling and community empowerment. These sessions connect young writers and the youth of Iowa City with the transformative potential of true stories—illustrating how art can bridge experience and understanding.
This ongoing partnership continues to champion creative education, collaboration, and the role of nonfiction in shaping vibrant, connected communities.
Thank you to Blick for supplying notebooks, pens, stickers and other goodies for our workshop attendees. Each student was able to take home a personallized notebook with pens + pencils because of your support.
Meet Our Fellows
The Arts Administration Internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit arts management for young adults interested in building a career in the performing arts. Designed for individuals ages 19 to 23, the program provides meaningful exposure to the inner workings of a professional arts organization.
Over the course of 10 weeks, interns gain both practical and theoretical knowledge across key areas such as programming, marketing, development, and event planning. Through discussion-based learning with The Englert’s staff, participants develop essential administrative and creative skills while exploring the vital role of the arts in community life.
The internship culminates in a final project of each participant’s choosing, allowing for focused exploration in an area of personal interest. Interns also benefit from networking opportunities, venue tours, and career mentorship, offering an inside look at the local arts ecosystem and pathways for professional growth.
Now in its third year, the Arts Administration Internship continues to cultivate the next generation of arts leaders, empowering young professionals to connect creativity with community impact.
Applications for the 2025 internship are now closed. Please stay tuned for 2026 applications to open in the Spring.
In partnership with the ICCSD Foundation and the Any Given Child program, we strive to engage with each K-8 student in the district during their educational career. Each year, we aim to bring students into our building for an artistic experience that sparks their imagination and harnesses their creativity.
On April 30, 2024, we had our first K-8 experience in partnership with ICCSD. We invited over one thousand 1st graders from the ICCSD to The Englert for a special presentation of Story Pirates, the award-winning kids’ and family podcast that turns stories and ideas submitted by children into comedy and songs. Through programming like this, we can spark students’ imaginations, encourage their creativity, and nurture a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
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