The MIPA Summer Journalism Workshop at Michigan State University has a variety of classes to help yearbook staff members — from beginners to the editor-in-chief — prepare for the year ahead.
Our participants are immersed for five days in the class of their choice to help them become experts in that content area. Students get hands-on experience developing themes, working on design concepts, developing leadership skills and more! Students can come to the workshop on their own or with other members of their staff.
Our yearbook design classes allow students to use the software of their choice — from Adobe InDesign to the online software platforms developed by yearbook publishers. (Students should come to the summer workshop with log-in information for yearbook company software.)
In addition to the below Yearbook Theme & Concepts classes, yearbook students might also be interested in:
- Photography classes, including Beyond the Basics, Shoot Like a Pro and Shoot Like a Pro II
- Writing classes, including Feature Coverage and The Bobby Hawthorne Experience
- Design & Layout classes, including Creative Illustration Techniques
YEARBOOK KICKSTART
Yearbook Kickstart – Instructor: Alexis Campion | Learn about MIPA’s instructors
- Learn how to write copy, headlines, captions
- Shoot some photos
- Learn basic design techniques and software
- A class for brand new yearbook staff members
ADVANCED YEARBOOK DESIGN
Advanced Yearbook Design – Instructor: Lydia Cadena | Learn about MIPA’s instructors
- Receive instruction in advanced design techniques
- Use contemporary coverage techniques to strengthen your yearbook
- Must have a good working knowledge of the software your school uses for yearbook design
- Ideal for section editors and staffers with experience
YEARBOOK LEADERSHIP
Yearbook Leadership – Instructor: Pam Bunka | Learn about MIPA’s instructors
- Learn to coach writers and study content and design
- Work with other staff members attending the workshop
- Practice leadership & management skills
- For anyone with an editor position on the yearbook staff
BEST THEME EVER
Best Theme Ever – Instructor: Ava Butzu | Learn about MIPA’s instructors (formerly Taking Your Yearbook to the Edge)
- Create a theme for your yearbook from scratch or further develop your existing theme
- Concentrate on cutting-edge writing and design trends
- Explore content/procedural changes
- Create alternative story forms
- Explore ways to make your publication even better
- Recommendation: Staff members should take this together so they can collaborate
- Advanced students only — must have above average design and writing skills
Are you an experienced member of your newspaper staff or just graduated from high school?
You might be interested in joining the staff of The Upstart, MIPA’s workshop student media outlet. Get great hands-on experience and learn the latest trends in online publishing.
