Drake University + IHSPA Winter Thaw 2025

The Drake University School of Journalism and Mass Communication will host the IHSPA Winter Thaw for high school journalism teachers and students on Feb. 21 in Des Moines. 

This day-long conference features breakout sessions for high school students interested in journalism or communications. Topics will include writing, design, podcasting, video production and more.

Sessions will be led by drake SJMC professors, area professionals and leaders of SJMC publications.

Please sign up by Feb. 10, 2025.

General session schedule:

• 9:15 a.m. - Opening
• 9:40 a.m. - Breakout session 1
• 10:30 a.m. - Breakout sessions 2
• 11:20 a.m. - Breakout session 3
• Noon - Lunch
• 1 p.m. - Breakout session 4
• 1:45 - Wrap-up

The event is free for students and teachers. Lunch will cost $9 per person in Drake's Hubbell Dining Hall.

Teachers will be together for the day to discuss IHSPA business. Teachers should RSVP to michelle-sillman@uiowa.edu.

Optional: Students can choose from three intensive tracks for those interested in studying these topics in college. These will be limited to 15 students per track.

• Option 1: Sports. Professors Dave Lubbers and Sandy Henry will lead this track that focuses on sports production.
• Option 2: Political communication. Professors Jennifer Konfrst and Amy McCoy will lead this track that focuses on the combination of journalism, public relations and politics.
• Option 3: Writing. Professors Jen Wilson and Jeff Inman will lead this track that focuses on creating content for branded media and media brands.

Questions? Reach out to Chris Snider at chris.snider@drake.edu