Digital Advertising and Brand Strategy Academy for High Schoolers at UCLA Anderson School of Management

Course Description: Digital Advertising and Brand Strategy Academy for High Schoolers at UCLA Anderson School of Management

Digital Advertising and Brand Strategy Academy: A Summer Experience for Future Marketing Leaders

Unleash your teenager's potential in the dynamic world of digital marketing with our immersive summer course. Designed specifically for high school students, the Digital Advertising and Brand Strategy Academy offers a unique opportunity to explore the art of digital advertising and marketing within the entertainment industry. Students will delve into the strategies that major entertainment companies, sports franchises, music labels, and streaming platforms use to captivate audiences and create viral sensations.

Through hands-on projects, real-world case studies, and interactive workshops, participants will gain practical skills in social media campaign development, fan engagement strategies, content creation, analytics, and influencer marketing. With a focus on the unique dynamics of marketing in entertainment and sports, this program ensures that students are well-equipped to build anticipation, create shareable moments, and foster passionate fan communities.

Why It is a Great Choice

• Comprehensive Learning: Master core digital marketing principles, including social media strategy development, audience analysis, content planning, and brand storytelling.

• Practical Skills Development: Hone your abilities in photography, video editing, graphic design, and copywriting using industry-standard tools like Canva, CapCut, and Adobe Express.

• Data-Driven Insights: Learn to analyze campaign performance using social media analytics, interpret key metrics, and make informed recommendations to optimize strategies.

• Portfolio Building: Complete a capstone project, developing a professional digital marketing campaign for an entertainment, media, or sports entity, and compile your work into a portfolio that showcases your understanding of industry trends and fan culture.

Location

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles, the academy provides an inspiring environment for creativity and learning. Students will have the opportunity to visit major brand headquarters, digital marketing agencies, and iconic locations such as Venice Beach and Santa Monica for street photography and content creation workshops. The program also includes access to UCLA campus media facilities, offering a glimpse into the world of student media organizations and content creation spaces.

Course Description

Core Program

• Social Media Strategy: Learn to craft compelling social media campaigns that resonate with audiences across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X.

• Content Creation: Develop skills in photography, video editing, and graphic design, producing engaging content tailored for specific platforms.

• Analytics and Optimization: Gain expertise in interpreting social media analytics to enhance campaign performance and drive audience engagement.

Capstone Project

Over the course of three weeks, students will collaborate in teams to develop and execute a comprehensive digital marketing campaign. Choose from projects such as promoting a fictional streaming series launch, building hype for a music artist's album release, or creating buzz for a film premiere. This capstone project will culminate in a professional digital marketing portfolio.

Admission Criteria

• Academic Achievement: Students should have a majority of A and/or B grades in their high school courses.

• Application Process: Completion of the Summer Institute application is required.

Who Should Attend

Aspiring digital marketing professionals seeking to kickstart their academic and professional careers will find this course invaluable. It provides a foundational understanding of digital marketing, helping students determine if this exciting field is the right path for them.

Benefits

• Certification: Receive a Successful Course Completion Certificate and a Letter of Recognition.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Add a Capstone Project to your student portfolio, showcasing your skills and understanding of digital marketing in the entertainment industry.

Embark on a journey that combines creativity, strategy, and innovation, setting the stage for a future in digital marketing. Join us this summer and watch your teenager thrive in the world of digital advertising and brand strategy.

🛂 Visa Requirements for International Students

🌎 Students NOT in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your home country is not one of the 40 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, you will need a B-2 Visitor Visa to attend the program.

The B-2 visa is for tourism and short-term study (under 16–18 hours of classes per week).

After enrollment, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to help support your visa application.

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✔️ Students IN the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your country is on the Visa Waiver Program list, you do not need a visa.

However, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before entering the U.S.

Apply here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

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💼 What the International Program Fee Covers

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 International medical/health insurance while abroad

• 📱 Help securing a local phone number or SIM card if needed

🌍 International Fees & Support

💵 International Registration Fee (U.S. Programs)

Students whose primary residence is outside the United States will be charged an International Registration Fee when attending a U.S.-based program.

This fee includes:

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 Medical/health insurance for international students

• 📱 Help obtaining a U.S. SIM card or phone plan

Note: This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if the student does not use all services.

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📘 Academic Reports & College Credit

📝 Student Performance Reports

After the program ends, students receive:

• Detailed course performance summaries

• Instructor feedback

• Recommendations for continued growth

Reports can be mailed to a student’s school upon written parent request.

🎓 College Credit Programs

Students enrolled in credit-bearing classes receive:

• A grade report

• Instructions for requesting a university transcript

Acceptance of credits depends on the receiving university’s policies.

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🌎 International Student Community

Programs welcome a diverse and global student population each summer:

• 🌐 About 30% of students come from outside the U.S.

• 🌍 Representing 50–60 countries

This creates a vibrant, multicultural learning experience.

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🏠 Housing & Roommate Matching

Students complete a personal profile in the spring to assist with roommate assignments.

Matching is based on:

• Interests

• Personality

• Sleeping habits

• Age group

Roommate Requests:

• Must be mutual

• Must be same age group and gender

• Not guaranteed, though campus staff make every effort

Cultural diversity is encouraged, and many roommates come from different countries.

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🧳 What to Bring

Students should pack essentials for at least one week.

Recommended:

• Clothing for warm and cool weather

• Basic school supplies

• Personal toiletries

• Laundry supplies

Spending Money:

• $100–$150 per week (snacks, lunches, souvenirs)

• Debit card recommended for ATM withdrawals

• Credit card for emergencies

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Note: Some campuses provide bedding. A campus-specific packing list will be available after enrollment.

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✈ Travel & Airport Transportation

Programs do not arrange flights.

🚌 Airport Shuttles

Shuttle transportation (additional fee) is available to/from designated airports.

Details are included in the pre-summer transportation form.

Students must arrive/depart within scheduled shuttle windows to use this service.

For international students, the international registration fee is $379 (residential) OR $239 (commuter) – this fee covers a medical policy for the student and their airport transfers.

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🕒 A Typical Day on Campus (Residential Programs)

A structured, activity-filled day may look like:

• 8:00 AM – Wake Up 🌅

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast 🍳

• 9:30–11:30 AM – Morning Course / Academy 📘

• 11:45 AM – Lunch 🍽

• 1:00–3:00 PM – Afternoon Course / Academy 🧪

• 3:30 PM – Activities, Social Time, or Study Hall 🎉

• 6:00 PM – Dinner 🍝

• 8:00 PM – Evening / Primetime Activities 🌆

• 10:30 PM – Return to Residence Halls 🏠

• 11:30 PM – On Floors 🌙

• 12:00 AM – In Rooms / Lights Out 😴

Activities may include:

shopping • sports • beaches • museums • movies • comedy shows • concerts • local events

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📚 Academic Experience (Enrichment & College Prep)

Programs emphasize:

• Small, interactive classes

• Supportive, enthusiastic instructors

• Hands-on learning and real-world experiences

• Field trips connected to course themes

• A wide choice of enrichment or academic courses

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🚗 Day Students (Non-Residential)

Day students follow the regular campus schedule to align with meals and activities.

Standard Schedule (Monday–Friday):

• Drop-Off: 8:30 AM

• Pick-Up: 6:00 PM

Times may vary by campus.

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🍽 Special Dietary Needs

Special meals and dietary accommodations are available.

Requirements:

Parents must complete a dietary information form during pre-arrival.

Residential & Standard Programs:

Notify the Residential Life Dean of dietary restrictions.

Day Programs (Younger Students):

Parents should inform the Program Director on-site.

Common accommodations include:

• Allergy-friendly meals

• Vegetarian/vegan options

• Gluten-free meals

• Religious dietary needs

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🛡️ Campus Safety & Supervision

Student safety is the top priority.

Safety Measures:

• Staff and counselors live on student floors

• 24/7 supervision

• Key-card residence hall access

• Daily check-ins and room checks

• Visitors must check in at the program office

• Students may move only in small groups

• Students may never leave campus alone

• Older students (14–18) may have limited group movement privileges

• 24/7 access to medical care

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📱 Emergency Communication & Response

Campus teams monitor:

• Weather

• Local events

• Road closures

• Any conditions that affect student safety

If needed, programs may:

• Move classes

• Adjust or reroute activities

• Avoid specific areas

Students receive:

• Daily notifications

• Safety messages

• Emergency push alerts

A dedicated Campus Emergency Line connects students to on-site directors.

International students receive support obtaining a local SIM card for reliable communication.

All students attend a mandatory orientation within the first 24 hours covering emergency procedures.

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🚫 Movement Policies & Program Rules

To maintain a safe, positive environment:

• Students and staff may not participate in protests

• All off-campus trips are fully chaperoned

• Security may be increased with campus police or external teams if needed

• Staff monitor all on- and off-campus locations and adjust plans immediately if necessary

📍 UCLA Anderson School of Management – Campus Profile (Los Angeles, CA)

UCLA Anderson School of Management provides an exceptional academic setting within one of the world’s most influential business, entertainment, media, and sports hubs. Located in Los Angeles, the campus offers students direct exposure to innovative industries, vibrant culture, and a diverse community of thought leaders.

Courses are hosted and developed by faculty and experts from UCLA Anderson’s Center for Media, Entertainment & Sports, offering students an engaging, future-focused learning experience. The campus environment encourages strategic thinking, creativity, and personal growth while giving students first-hand insight into real-world business challenges.

Beyond academics, the surrounding city of Los Angeles becomes an extension of the classroom — filled with iconic attractions, cultural landmarks, beaches, and professional sports venues that create an unforgettable summer learning environment.

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✨ Program Environment

• Ideal for students passionate about business, entrepreneurship, media, entertainment, and sports management

• Courses taught by faculty and instructors selected from UCLA Anderson’s academic community

• Hands-on, project-based curriculum rooted in real-world case studies

• Opportunities to learn from industry professionals and guest speakers

• Located in a global economic and creative hub, offering unmatched educational and cultural experiences

• Perfect for students seeking challenge, leadership development, and career inspiration

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🎒 Included in Tuition

• 📘 Academic tuition

• 🏨 Housing (residential programs)

• 🍽 Two meals per day: breakfast & dinner

• 🎡 Daily afternoon, evening, and weekend excursions and activities

• 🚐 Transportation for all included activities

• 🏋️ Access to recreation and athletic facilities

• 🎓 College admissions presentation

• 🛌 Blanket, pillow, and sheets

• 🛡 Full campus safety and supervision

Note: Some academies and specialized courses may require additional academic fees.

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🚫 Not Included in Tuition

• 📝 Application fee

• ✈ Airfare and airport transfers

• 🍽 Meals eaten off campus

• 🧼 Laundry

• 💼 Personal spending money

• 🏥 Medical expenses

A standard international program fee applies for international students.

Closest airport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

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🎡 Top Activities in Los Angeles, California

• 🎢 Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood

• 🏖 Santa Monica Beach & Pier, Manhattan Beach, Malibu Beach

• 🛍 Rodeo Drive, Abbot Kinney, Third Street Promenade, Century City

• ⚾ Dodgers, Angels, and LA Galaxy games

• 🌄 Griffith Observatory & hike to the Hollywood Sign

• 🌅 Sunset cruise along the Pacific coast

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🎉 Top Campus Activities

• 🎧 Silent Disco and Live Band Karaoke

• 🎭 Variety shows featuring comedians, hypnotists, magicians, and mentalists

• 🎨 Clubs: arts, baking, sports leagues, tournaments, game nights, and more

• 🍔 End-of-summer BBQ with music and lawn games