Who we are
Empowering, Inspiring, Engaging
The Iowa Youth Writing Project (IYWP) is an arts outreach organization that empowers, inspires, and engages K-12 youth throughout the state using language arts and creative thinking.
We provide one-of-a-kind writing, publishing, and creative learning opportunities to Iowa’s children and teens.
To ensure that all young people can participate, the IYWP provides programs at little or no cost, thanks to the time, energy, and creativity of IYWP volunteers, partnerships with local organizations and institutions, and the generosity of community members.
Our new home
Opening Fall 2026
In October 2026, the IYWP will re-open its doors with a brand-new headquarters in the greater Iowa City area. In the coming weeks, we will release more information about where we’ll be located and the amazing community partnerships that have made this happen!
In the meantime, we can answer some essential questions below.
If your question isn’t answered here, you can shoot us a note at admin@iywp.org.
Will your programming still be free?
Yes! All regular programs we run from our new headquarters will be offered free of cost to youth and their families.
Do I have to attend every week, or can I drop in?
Feel free to drop in! Unless we advertise a set of workshops specifically as a series, each one is self-contained, and you’re welcome to catch whichever of them fit your schedule.
Do I need to sign up in advance for workshops?
There will be a digital sign-up form on our website for all IYWP workshops and special events. Signing up is not explicitly required, but it will guarantee you a place. Due to space constraints, we will cap our workshops at 15 students apiece; students who have not signed up in advance will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach capacity.
Are you still doing workshops in schools?
Yes…ish. Our executive director, Mallory Hellman, will teach Writing and Community Outreach (WRIT:2100) at the University of Iowa in Fall 2026. As part of the course, undergraduate students will conduct free weekly writing workshops at 4 Iowa City Community School District schools. While this will not formally take place under the banner of the IYWP, workshops will be similar in style to those you’ve come to know and love.
I can’t make it out to your new location. Any chance you could come to me?
On a limited basis, yes. Because the IYWP has no employees at this time, we rely on volunteer power for everything we do. We would be happy to create a custom workshop or series for you, but we would require payment for this service and at least a month’s notice. For details, contact admin@iywp.org.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!