Each year, as part of the festival weekend, storytellers in residency will be integrated into the Winona-area schools to immerse students in the art of storytelling. Education is a pillar of the Sandbar Storytelling Festival. We recognize the importance of fostering an environment where students are engaged, both creatively and intellectually. Storytelling is a bridge between community and culture, and as students hear the words and tales of the tellers, they learn to understand and empathize with others, one story at a time.

In 2023, we served upward of 2,800 students from 14 schools, including: Bluffview Montessori, Cotter Schools: K-6, 7-12; Lewiston-Altura HS, Riverway Learning Community, Wabasha-Kellogg Elem., Winona Area Public Schools: Goodview Elem., Jefferson Elem., Washington-Kosciusko Elem., Winona Middle School, Winona Senior HS, and the Winona Area Learning Center; and in higher education, Saint Mary’s University and Winona State University.