What you need to know about Michigan State’s journalism camp
By: Kaylee Zirkelbach and Ashe Watson
What: The Michigan Interscholastic Press Association, or MIPA, is a statewide nonprofit organization affiliated with Michigan State University’s journalism program among their different camps throughout the year. This summer program includes a five-day stay on the MSU campus where seventh through twelfth grade students work hands-on with journalism instructors in varying fields of study including sports broadcasting, yearbook, journalistic storytelling, photojournalism and many more. These classes prepare students for careers in journalism and related fields.
Why: MIPA’s mission is to teach, prepare and inspire students for the field of journalism. The program offers a college-like experience for seventh through twelfth grade students all over Michigan and opens the doors for many opportunities.
Who: The program is led by several key figures including Workshop Director Sara-Beth Badalamente and Executive Director Jeremy Steele. Outside of these people there are three other categories of staff including teachers who instruct classes, ambassadors who manage campers and assist classes and Upstart Fellows who report on the camp and assist ambassadors.
When: While the date can change year to year, MIPA camp typically is held during summer, frequently July, over a period of five days. The first day begins in the afternoon and the last day ends in the afternoon.
Where: MIPA is an extension of Michigan State University’s journalism program and takes place on the college’s campus. Students stay in the Shaw Hall dorms, eat in the dining hall and take classes all on campus in East Lansing.