Become a better reporter and write more compelling stories
July 19-23, 2026
$560 — for MIPA members; $610 — for non-members
Add $75 for registrations after June 15
This is an-person, residential program.Space is limited.
Last day to register: July 1, or while seats remain available
Last day to request a roommate: July 1
About This Course
Readers are hungry for amazing stories. In this advanced writing course, you’ll explore the art of writing compelling leads, the importance of story structure and when and how to utilize impactful quotes. You’ll learn to write stories that demand to be read and induce goosebumps, laughter or tears. Participants should have basic journalistic writing skills, consistent with completion of MIPA’s Journalistic Storytelling course or at least one term of a journalism class at school.
This is an in-person, residential program. Participants will stay in an MSU residence hall with at least one roommate. Meals are provided in a residential hall cafeteria. Workshop sessions are held in MSU classrooms, which may be a short walk from the residence hall.
This workshop course is open to youth participants entering grades 7 through 12. Recommended for those with at least one year of previous journalism experience.
Julia Satterthwaite
Instructor
Julia Satterthwaite, MJE, advises the national award-winning El Estoque and elestoque.org at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino, Calif. Satterthwaite is a former director at large for the national Journalism Education Association. She was honored with MIPA’s Golden Pen in 2014 and named a Distinguished Adviser by CSPA and the Dow Jones News Fund in 2019. She enjoys reading, being outdoors and spending time with her three favorite boys: Rod, Micah and Jonah.
Supplies & Equipment
- This course is not scheduled to be held in a computer lab. A laptop, Chromebook or tablet on which you can write and edit in and outside of class is recommended. A nearby computer lab will be available.
- Google/Gmail account to use Google Classroom, Docs and other services
- Notebook to take notes
- Pens and pencils
- Audio recorder or smartphone, if available
- Good attitude, desire to learn, ability to have fun
Special Needs & Accommodations
MIPA is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Jeremy Steele, MIPA executive director, at 517-353-6761 or ask@mipamsu.org at least 10 business days prior to the start of our program so that we have time to make necessary arrangements. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Workshop Schedule
All times are in the Eastern time zone. Schedule is subject to change.
Sunday Schedule
- 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. — Check in
- 5-6:30 p.m. — Dinner
- 6:45 p.m. — Opening session
- 7:30 p.m. — First class meeting
- 8:15 p.m. — Keynote
- 9 p.m. — Recreational activities
- 10:45 p.m. — Floor meeting
- 11:15 p.m. — Bed check
- 1 a.m. — Lights out
Monday-Wednesday Schedule
- 7:15-8:45 a.m. — Breakfast
- 9-11:30 a.m. — Workshop class session
- 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. — Lunch
- 1:30-4 p.m. — Workshop class session
- 4-5 p.m. — MIPA Cup Tournament activities
- 5-6:30 p.m. — Dinner
- 7 p.m. — Evening session (speakers or project work time)
- 9 p.m. — Recreational activities
- 11 p.m. — Participants must be on assigned floor
- 11:15 p.m. — Bed check
- 1 a.m. — Lights out
Thursday Schedule
- 7:15-8:45 a.m. — Breakfast
- 9-10:45 a.m. — Workshop class session
- 11 a.m.-Noon — Closing session/Awards ceremony
- Noon-1 p.m. — Check out