The program begins with the Media Plan Case Competition, requiring students to create strategic media plans for a hypothetical public policy issue in a special election.

Finalists earn an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC for Media Scholars Week, where they are introduced to dozens of nationally recognized media industry leaders. On the final full day, each finalist team presents their strategic plans to a panel of judges.

At week’s end, professionals gather to recognize the finalists and celebrate the winners at a Networking Reception held at the Newseum.