CCIM Summer Workshops: A Complete Guide

You don’t have to wait for college to start building your creative skills. The CCIM Summer Workshops at Ball State University let you dive into media, communications, and technology through hands-on courses guided by real professionals.

Develop new skills, make new friends, find new passions, or even get a head start improving your school’s media or communications team for next year. In this guide, you’ll learn what the CCIM Summer Workshops offer, how to apply, and why they’re worth joining.

• What Are CCIM Summer Workshops?
• CCIM Workshops
• CCIM Summer Workshops Application Deadline
• CCIM Summer Workshop Requirements
• How to Apply for the CCIM Summer Workshops
• Why Join CCIM Summer Workshops?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are CCIM Summer Workshops?

Picture yourself spending part of your summer on a real college campus—creating videos, designing stories, or producing esports content that feels straight out of a professional studio. That’s the idea behind the CCIM Summer Workshops at Ball State University, a collection of programs that help students explore media, communication, and technology through hands-on, creative experiences.

Hosted by Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) in Muncie, Indiana, these workshops let you work in the same classrooms, studios, and labs that college students use. You’ll collaborate with mentors, build real projects, and see what college life feels like while learning new skills in storytelling, design, and production.

The CCIM Summer Workshops include two main programs: the CCIM+ Summer Workshops and the Free Grant-Funded Workshops. Both give you the chance to learn by doing, meet like-minded students, and get an early start on your creative journey.

History of the workshops

The CCIM Summer Workshops began in 1966, thanks to Dr. Louis Ingelhart, the founding chair of Ball State’s School of Journalism and Strategic Communication. After surveying high school newspaper advisers and journalism teachers, he saw a need for a program that gave students real-world media experience and brought that idea to life.

That first summer, 159 students from Indiana and Kentucky joined the workshops on Ball State’s campus. By the 1970s, attendance had grown to more than a thousand students each year, drawing participants from across the region.

While the media world has changed dramatically since then, the workshops continue to evolve. Now housed in the David Letterman Communication and Media Building, the program gives students access to top-notch facilities, technology, and creative spaces. Courses in writing, editing, design, sports production, digital photography, and broadcasting help students take their storytelling skills to the next level.

CCIM Workshops

Ball State’s CCIM Workshops include two program options: CCIM+ Summer Workshops and the Free Grant-Funded Workshops. Both are designed to help participants explore media, communication, and storytelling through hands-on learning. You’ll collaborate with peers, work with industry professionals, and gain valuable skills for your future academic and career path.

CCIM+ Summer Workshops

The CCIM+ Summer Workshops are in-person programs for middle and high school students, teachers, and incoming Ball State freshmen who want to strengthen their storytelling, journalism, and media production skills. You’ll get the full college experience by living on campus (or commuting) and using the same state-of-the-art facilities and technology that Ball State students use every day.

Beyond the classroom, you’ll learn by creating. Students shoot videos, edit stories, lead projects, and get feedback from industry professionals who teach every session. It’s the kind of learning that feels fun but prepares you for college-level media and communication programs.

If you choose the residential option, you’ll stay in Ball State’s updated, air-conditioned residence halls, complete with semi-private bathrooms and comfortable study spaces. You’ll eat in a nearby dining hall with a variety of meal options (and yes, there’s a Starbucks for your daily pick-me-up).

Every session is supervised and structured to keep things organized and safe. Resident Assistants check in regularly, and attendance is taken for each class. By the end of the week, you’ll walk away with new friends, new skills, and real experience in media and communication.

Here are the course offerings for 2025:

Free CCIM Grant Workshops

Thanks to a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, CCIM offers a fully funded summer workshop experience for middle and high school students who want to explore college and career paths in multimedia storytelling and esports. It’s a competitive but free opportunity that covers housing, meals, and materials.

Through this program, students live on campus, work in professional labs, and take part in creative, hands-on sessions led by Ball State faculty and esports professionals. You’ll learn new technical and creative skills while also exploring real-world opportunities in journalism, media, and gaming.

The workshops are open to Indiana middle and high school students entering grades 6 to 12, and no prior experience is required. Because this is a grant-funded opportunity, preference is given to applicants who best match the program’s goals. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and accepted students will be notified in late May once all 40 spots are filled.

Participants will stay on Ball State’s campus, just like CCIM+ students, in modern, air-conditioned residence halls with semi-private bathrooms and nearby dining facilities.

The following courses are available for both middle and high school students participating in the free grant workshops. Each course is designed to introduce students to new skills in media, storytelling, and technology while exploring potential college and career paths in related fields:

1. Multimedia Storytelling

This workshop introduces students to how stories shape the way people understand experiences and perspectives across different platforms. Using cameras, editing tools, and social media, participants learn the fundamentals of storytelling while exploring connections between creativity, communication, and technology. The class also highlights future college and career opportunities in journalism, media, and communications.

2. The Science of Esports

This session examines how science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) intersect in the world of competitive gaming. Students study how creativity and innovation shape game design, production, and play, gaining insight into how these skills translate to future programs and careers in esports technology, production, and gaming media.

CCIM Summer Workshops Application Deadline

Registration for the 2025 CCIM Summer Workshops opened on Saturday, February 1. Priority registration for CCIM+ was accepted through June 3, and applications submitted after that date were still accepted but with limited availability.

For the 2025 grant-funded workshops, Multimedia Storytelling and The Science of Esports, all applications were due by the end of the day on May 1.

Looking ahead, registration for the 2026 CCIM Summer Workshops has not yet opened. Official dates and application details will be posted on the CCIM website and social media channels once the new cycle begins, so make sure to check regularly.

CCIM Summer Workshop Requirements

Before applying, it’s important to know who can join the program and what to expect.

Eligibility

Currently, there are no strict eligibility requirements posted by CCIM for the Summer Workshops. Generally, the programs are open to middle and high school students who are interested in building or expanding their skills in storytelling, media production, design, or communication.

Some workshops are designed specifically for middle school or high school students, so applicants should review grade and age guidelines once registration opens.

Program cost

The Free Grant Workshops are completely free for selected participants, including housing, meals, and program materials. For CCIM+ Summer Workshops, pricing depends on format and length. Here’s a quick overview:

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available for the CCIM+ Summer Workshops, which can cover half of the registration cost. Scholarship applications for the last cycle were due May 18, and applicants were notified by May 23. To apply, you’ll need to email a 1–2 page narrative explaining your financial challenges and how a scholarship would help you financially and academically.

How to Apply for the CCIM Summer Workshops

Application details for the upcoming CCIM Summer Workshops have not yet been released. Once registration opens, you’ll need to apply through the official Ball State University CCIM website, where updated information about deadlines, eligibility, and required materials will be posted.

Why Join CCIM Summer Workshops?

There are plenty of benefits to joining the CCIM Summer Workshops, from gaining real college experience to building creative skills that prepare you for future opportunities.

1. Experience college life at Ball State

CCIM Summer Workshops give you a true preview of college life. You’ll stay on Ball State’s campus, work in professional studios and classrooms, and use the same technology and equipment as real college students.

Each session is immersive and hands-on, so you’re not just watching. You’re creating, experimenting, and learning by doing in a collaborative, university setting.

2. Learn from industry professionals

Every workshop is led by Ball State faculty and media professionals who bring real-world experience into the classroom. You’ll get direct feedback on your work, explore the latest trends in media and communication, and gain insights that go beyond what you’d learn in a high school setting. Their mentorship helps you develop both technical skills and creative confidence.

3. Build connections

You’ll meet other students who share your passion for storytelling, design, and digital media. Working together on projects helps you learn teamwork, leadership, and communication, which are all skills that matter in every creative field. Many participants form lasting friendships and professional connections that continue long after the workshop ends.

4. Open doors to future opportunities

Joining the CCIM Summer Workshops gives you a head start on your career and academic goals. You’ll leave with a stronger portfolio, new experiences to highlight in essays and interviews, and the confidence to pursue your creative ambitions. Whether you’re planning to study journalism, film, communication, or design, the experience makes your future college applications stand out.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a curfew during the workshops?

All residential students must be in their assigned residence hall floors or rooms by 11 p.m. each night. Resident Assistants check in to make sure everyone is accounted for, and students are expected to follow all workshop safety and conduct guidelines.

2. Can students visit other areas on campus or around Ball State?

No, students are not allowed to visit The Village, other residence halls, or nearby neighborhood houses during the workshops. All activities take place in supervised areas of campus for safety and accountability.

3. Are there rules about transportation while attending the workshop?

Yes, there are specific rules. Students may not operate personal vehicles or ride in another student’s car during the program. This also includes electric scooters, skateboards, or other mechanical transportation while attending the workshops.

4. What happens if I get sick or can’t attend a session?

Attendance is required for all sessions unless you’re feeling ill. If that happens, let your Resident Assistant know right away or contact the CCIM Outreach office.

5. How will students receive important updates or reminders?

Students with smartphones will be asked to join a free “GroupMe” messaging app used by workshop leaders to send schedule updates and announcements. It’s a one-way communication channel, meaning students can’t reply or send messages, but leaders may text individuals directly in case of an emergency or absence.

Takeaways

• The CCIM Summer Workshops at Ball State University give students hands-on experience in media, communication, and technology.
• The CCIM+ Summer Workshops offer in-person programs for middle and high school students, teachers, and incoming freshmen to develop creative and technical skills.
• The Free Grant Workshops provide selected Indiana students the chance to explore multimedia storytelling and esports at no cost.
• All programs help students build confidence, teamwork, and college readiness while using Ball State’s professional studios and equipment.
• Get expert help to increase your chances of getting into the CCIM Summer Workshops and stay organized through every step of your summer program application.