High School Programs
Experience College-Level Learning in High School
Create content. Tell stories. Produce vidoes. Build brands. Learn all of that and more in one of the School of Communication's High School programs, which gives students an inside look at what it's like to study in one of our innovative majors.
We welcome your interest in the School of Communication and invite you to explore our programs, meet our faculty and talk with our current students. We look forward to meeting you at any of the opportunities listed below.
Each fall, the School of Communication and the Center for Media Innovation hosts High School Media Day and Newsapalooza to celebrate and learn about local journalism, media and communications. Students will have the opportunity to:
- Meet national and local journalists
- Engage in hands-on workshops
- Participate in the PSPA Regional Student Journalism Competition
Check out photos from 2025 High School Media Day and Newsapalooza.
The School of Communication is hosting its inaugural High School Media Arts Day, where students can learn about painting and drawing, graphic and interactive design, fashion photography, film production, multimedia, animation and more. They'll also explore what a career in media arts could look like and how to build a business in the industry.
High School Media Arts Day
Feb. 12, 2027: 9:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
Point Park University's Pittsburgh Playhouse
Cost: $15
Online RSVP form coming soon
Sessions include:
Introduction to Media Arts: 10-10:45 a.m.
- Painting and Drawing with Catherine Drabkin: Tools Before the Computer
- Graphic and Interactive Design with David Clark: 10 Tips for Design Beginners
- Film Production with Andrew Halasz: Filmmaking 101 — From Pre-Production to Production to Post-Production
- Animation with Jonathan Trueblood: Animation...more Like Fun-imation
Careers in Media Arts: 11-11:45 a.m.
- Fashion Photography with Richard Kelly: SEEN | The Unfiltered Issue
- Film Production with Emily Thomas: Show Running — Artistic Leadership in Modern Storytelling
- Multimedia with Chris Rolinson: Multimedia — The Everything App
Lunch with Pittsburgh Artists: Noon-12:45 p.m.
Creating a Business in Media Arts: 1-1:45 p.m.
- Center for Experiential and Narrative Technology with Don Marinelli: The Science Fiction of Yesterday is the Science Fiction of Today
- Photography with April Friges: Off-Screen Narratives — Weaving Fleeting Pixels into Photo Essays
- Media Arts with Ben Schonberger: Entrepreneurship, Making Money and Becoming a Business Owner in the Arts
Partnering with the Pittsburgh Steelers, high school students will develop a high-level marketing communications plan at Point Park University's annual Point Pitch competition on October 23, 2026, for a chance to win a cash prize for the best campaigns. The winning team will receive $500 and the second-place team will receive $250.
Teams will be paired with a professional mentor from the Pittsburgh public relations and advertising industry who will provide networking opportunities and guidance. Teams will produce everything from the big idea to creative executions and strategy.
Registration Deadline
We have reached capacity for Point Pitch 2026. Please check back to join us next year!
Get a taste of your career-to-be at our summer workshops. Topics may include multimedia production, photography, broadcasting, public relations and advertising and sports communication. Additional information, workshop schedule and fees are shared on Point Park's summer camps and intensives page.
In Their Own Words: What Students Say About Summer Workshops
"My favorite part of the workshop was being able to experience several parts of what I am going to major in at Point Park. Along with trying out the workshops, I got to meet other people who would be on campus in the fall and will be there to make the transition into college easier." — Kyla Pothier, Goffstown High School in New Hampshire, majoring in sports communication at Point Park.
Contact Us
- Vince Rugani, director, pre-college programs
- Bernie Ankney, Ph.D., dean, School of Communication