Build a better brand on digital and social media platforms
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
Today’s journalism lives and thrives online. Student journalists need to know how to effectively design compelling news websites, use social media strategically, and market their publication in a digital-first world. This course is perfect for student journalists looking to expand their publication’s reach and relevance, designing or redesigning their news website/yearbook site, and developing digital media strategy.
Students will leave with a detailed digital media and social media plan that they can bring back to their staff and start using on day one.
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.
Mishal Charania
Instructor
Mishal Charania is a corporate partnerships assistant for the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, supporting team partners via digital marketing, event planning and communications. She studied sport management at the University of Michigan with minors in writing and social media analysis. While at U-M, she was the editor-in-chief of the Michiganensian yearbook and an audience engagement editor at the Michigan Daily newspaper, leading social media and newsletter efforts. Mishal has also contributed to social media and communications campaigns for the University of Michigan Athletics, United Airlines and Sleepopolis. Her start in journalism came as the Huron Emery newspaper’s first digital editor, building and redesigning the newspaper’s web and social media presences.
Supplies & Equipment
- This course is scheduled to be held in a computer lab. Access to a laptop to work on assignments outside of class time is optional.
- Google/Gmail account to use Google Classroom, Docs and other services
- Access to social media accounts for your school media program, if possible
- Smartphone
- Dictionary, thesaurus and AP Stylebook (optional)
- 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