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
- Content Creation Challenges
- Social Media Analytics Workshop
- User-Generated Content Pitch
Benefits
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!