Build a better brand with MIPA
July 20-24, 2025
$545 — for MIPA members; $570 — 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
Let’s face it: Social media is an essential part of the work that we do as journalists.
This workshop will give us time to develop our skills and a solid social media plan that will meet readers where they are. Students will determine which social media platforms are most relevant for their school community. These could include Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc., You know your community best.
Students in this workshop will learn by doing, which means that we will be creating our own social media posts on social media platforms to practice, develop our skills and test out our ideas before we bring them back to implement next school year.
Students will leave with a detailed 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.
Tracy Anderson
Instructor
Tracy Anderson advises VOICE: literary+arts journal, The Midnight Sun yearbook and The Communicator magazine and website at Community High School in Ann Arbor. These publications have earned Spartan Awards from MIPA, Pacemakers from NSPA, Story of the Year from NSPA, Design of the Year from NSPA, Gold Medalist from CSPA, Gold and Silver Crowns from CSPA. and numerous other awards. She was selected to participate in the Reynolds Institute at the Cronkite School of Journalism in Phoenix. She is also the recipient of the Golden Pen Award, University of Chicago Excellence in Teaching Award and a CSPA Distinguished Adviser. Tracy loves teaching at MIPA’s summer camp, which is always a highlight of her summer.
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