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Pitt-Johnstown offers monetary award for high school students who use social media the right way
Offering free assembly to teach students how best to use social media
Pitt-Johnstown launches a program to teach and encourage middle and high school students to use social media properly. The program is a 45-minutue free assembly designed by marketing faculty and staff titled “Sharpen Your Social Media: mastering social media for an awesome career and life.” Also, students who commit to use social media properly can receive a $500 award by signing the “Good Social Media Citizen” pledge after they participate in the seminar at a school, write a 500-word essay about how the student will use social media to present themselves best, deliver the pledge to Pitt-Johnstown Admissions department with the written essay, apply, enroll, and get accepted.
The informative program offering guidance for those all-too-familiar choices and more will be presented at various high schools throughout the region this school year by University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown students and administrators.
“We know that counselors and principals are dealing with issues on social media every day. We want to share knowledge about how students can present themselves well in social media,” said Therese Grimes, Associate Vice President of Admissions. “Employers and colleges are reviewing social media feeds to select the best possible candidates. This education helps students prepare for life after high school.” In 2015, Pitt-Johnstown rescinded an applicant after a prospective student posted aggressive content online.
During this captivating 45-minute free assembly, humorous pop culture references will engage students to learn about how to be media literate. Students will be informed about how their social media perception will affect their public image, their educational pursuits and their future. Social media gives everyone a voice – this session will advise on how to use that voice properly and how to listen to others.
The program will explain laws that make cyber-harassment a third-degree misdemeanor. Participating schools and libraries will receive Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) credits. Pitt-Johnstown also offers a teaching seminar for parents as well.
Students who pursue the Good Social Media Citizen Award must:
- sign a pledge
- deliver the pledge to campus
- write a 500-word essay about how they will use social media to present themselves best
- 4audit their own social media feeds
- apply and enroll to Pitt-Johnstown
Student ambassadors from Pit-Johnstown will follow the feeds of the students to be role models on how to continue to post content properly.
Pitt-Johnstown Associate Professor of Marketing George “Skip” Glenn contributed to the project’s creation and direction. “Our students report they average three-to-four hours per day on social, so they need to be armed to manage it for their future careers. A thoughtless post can kill an opportunity,” he said.
“The sooner our sons and daughters know that a post is forever and is global in reach, the better they can avoid a permanent gaffe that could affect their chances for getting a great job. Don't underestimate the power of the ‘Mom Test’ to protect you from a bad post,” said Glenn. “If you can’t explain a post to your mother, then don't share. It’s that simple: think ‘Mom’ before pushing the share button.”
“The presentation was engaging and timely,” said Social Studies and Freshman Seminar Teacher Lucy M. Lapalucci, MEd, Greensburg Salem High School. “The freshmen responded in a positive manner and continued to ask questions after the Pitt-Johnstown team left the school. Overall, the time spent with the Pitt-Johnstown team enlightened the students about the reality of social media. Also, students reflected upon their choices and decisions.
“Without a doubt, I would recommend this presentation to open discussion and further educate young minds about media usage.”
To schedule “Sharpen Your Social Media” for your school or organization, please send an inquiry to upjweb@pitt.edu. Include a contact name, dates and times available, and any specifics about the grade levels or groups.
Call Toll-Free 1-855 LIKE UPJ for more information.