Influencing the Digital World: Social Media 101

Quick Facts

Ages: 14–17

To participate in the residential experience, students must be at least 15 years old.

Grades: Rising ninth graders through Rising 12th graders

Dates: July 28–August 1

Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Location: Mies Campus

Format: Overnight and Daytime

Duration: One week

Cost: $1,500 for Overnight; $650 for Daytime

Topic Areas

Influencer Marketing

Brand Engagement

Social Media Algorithms

Analytics and Metrics

Program Description

This program is designed to equip high school students with essential knowledge and skills in social media marketing, preparing them for the digital world of business. Students will collaborate on hands-on projects such as creating their own social media campaigns, designing advertisements, and developing crisis response strategies.

Schedule

Day 1: Introduction to Social Media & Branding

Theme: Understanding Social Media Platforms and Personal Branding

9–9:30 a.m.: Welcome and Icebreaker Activity

9:30–10:30 a.m.: The Evolution of Social Media and Influencer Marketing

10:30–10:45 a.m.: Break

10:45 a.m.–noon: Workshop titled Crafting Your Digital Brand and Social Media Presence

Noon–1 p.m.: Lunch

1–2:30 p.m.: Hands-on Project titled Creating a Personal Social Media Profile and Elevator Pitch

2:30–3 p.m.: Daily Reflection and Wrap-Up

Day 2: Content Creation and Engagement Strategies

Theme: The Art of Capturing Attention

9–9:15 a.m.: Recap and Group Discussion

9:15–10:30 a.m.: Workshop titled Content Creation and Viral Trends—What Works?

10:30–10:45 a.m.: Break

10:45 a.m.–noon: Interactive Activity titled Content Creation Challenge (Short Videos, Graphics, and Memes)

Noon–1 p.m.: Lunch

1–2:30 p.m.: Engagement Tactics and Community Building on Social Media

2:30–3 p.m.: Group Discussion and Reflection

Day 3: Social Media Algorithms and Analytics

Theme: Understanding the Science Behind Visibility

9–9:15 a.m.: Recap and Question-and-Answer Session

9:15–10:30 a.m.: Workshop titled How Social Media Algorithms Work (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X)

10:30–10:45 a.m.: Break

10:45 a.m.–noon: Hands-On Lab titled Social Media Analytics and Metrics Deep Dive

Noon–1 p.m.: Lunch

1–2:30 p.m.: Case Study titled Examining Real Influencer Growth Strategies and Pitfalls

2:30–3 p.m.: Reflection and Daily Wrap-Up

Day 4: Marketing and Crisis Management in Social Media

Theme: Branding, Strategy and Reputation Management

9–9:15 a.m.: Daily Recap and Social Media Insights

9:15–10:30 a.m.: Workshop titled Social Media Marketing and Brand Partnerships

10:30–10:45 a.m.: Break

10:45 a.m.–noon: Crisis Management and PR in Social Media (Real-Life Case Studies)

Noon–1 p.m.: Lunch

1–2:30 p.m.: Hands-On Project titled Developing a Social Media Crisis Response Plan

2:30–3 p.m.: Reflection and Discussion

Day 5: Capstone Project and Presentation Day

Theme: Bringing It All Together

9–9:30 a.m.: Morning Social Media Trends Discussion

9:30–11:30 a.m.: Group Work Where Students Finalize Their Social Media Campaign Project

11:30 a.m.–noon: Lunch

Noon–1:30 p.m.: Final Presentations and Pitching Social Media Strategies to Panel

1:30–2:30 p.m.: Question-and-Answer Session with Social Media Professionals

2:30–3 p.m.: Closing Ceremony and Certificate Distribution

Activities

  1. Content Creation Challenges
  2. Social Media Analytics Workshop
  3. User-Generated Content Pitch

Benefits

  1. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Through hands-on projects and real-world case studies, students will learn to analyze trends, interpret data, and develop strategic solutions, skills that are essential for college-level assignments and group projects.
  2. Foundational Knowledge in Digital Marketing: The program offers an introduction to core marketing principles such as consumer behavior, advertising strategies, and brand management, giving students a solid foundation to take more specialized courses in college.
  3. Research and Analytical Skills: Participants will use social media analytics tools to measure campaign performance, gaining experience in gathering data, drawing insights, and using evidence-based decision-making, key skills in both business and academic research.
  4. Creativity and Innovation: By developing social media campaigns and creating engaging content, students will enhance their creativity and learn to think outside the box—an attribute highly valued in university projects and entrepreneurial ventures. 

Eligibility and Program Requirements

No prior knowledge is required!