BrandUp!: The Superpower of Personal Branding

July 28-August 1, 2025 Rose Hill

BrandUP!: The Superpower of Personal Branding is an interactive, future-focused, 5-day summer course designed for high school students eager to master the art of personal branding and leverage their digital presence for college admissions and career success. Based on Brand Up: The Ultimate Playbook for College and Career Success in the Digital World, the course takes students through a journey of self-discovery, skill development, and digital portfolio creation. Participants will gain real-world insights on how to build a personal brand, develop an online portfolio, and present themselves effectively to colleges, employers, and peers. The course will culminate with a site visit to a Manhattan-based media or marketing firm to observe real-world applications of personal branding and digital marketing.

Skills/Learning Outcomes

  1. Self-Awareness and Reflection:
  • Students will identify their personal strengths, values, and unique qualities to build a compelling personal brand.
  1. Digital Responsibility:
  • Students will learn to manage and curate their online presence, ensuring it aligns with their personal and professional goals.
  1. Communication:
  • Participants will craft effective messaging for college applications, job interviews, and digital platforms like LinkedIn.
  1. Digital Portfolio Creation:
  • Students will develop a polished online portfolio that showcases their skills, achievements, and experiences.
  1. Networking:
  • Students will gain practical networking skills to build professional connections that can support their future career growth.
  1. Presentation and Leadership:
  • Students will refine and present their personal brand strategy to peers and industry professionals.
  1. Entrepreneurial Thinking:
  • Participants will explore how to apply personal branding principles to launch and grow business ventures.
  1. Foresight and Strategic Thinking:
  • Students will learn to anticipate how their personal brand can evolve and adapt to changing trends in the digital world.

Overall Takeaways

By completing the BrandUP!: The Superpower of Personal Branding course, students will emerge with a clear understanding of how to strategically build and manage their personal brand. Equipped with digital tools and techniques, they will be prepared to stand out in college admissions and future job searches. The skills gained in communication, networking, and branding will empower students to confidently present their best selves and achieve their academic and career goals.

Instructor Bio

Dr. Craig Vezina is a global education leader, tech for good entrepreneur, and global advocate for sustainable development. With over two decades of experience in international education, Craig has worked with schools and organizations across the globe, bringing innovation to the forefront of learning. He is the founder of The Spaceship, an sustainability-focused startup that leverages cutting-edge AI and sustainability expertise to help organizations embed environmental responsibility into their core operations. Craig holds a PhD in International Diplomacy and Strategy and has a strong passion for fostering future-facing education, particularly in the areas of technology, sustainability, and ethical leadership. As a course instructor, he is known for blending practical, hands-on learning experiences with deep discussions on the social impact of technology. Craig’s forward-thinking approach empowers students to envision and create solutions that benefit both people and the planet. He is a recognized advocate for impact innovation education and frequently presents at prominent global events, including Harvard’s Global Development Group’s Future of Learning Panel, SXSWedu, ChangeNow Summit, and the UN Festival of Action. In addition, Craig contributes to the OECD’s Education & Skills 2030 Global Forum and serves on the Global Advisory Board for the non-profit Education for Sharing.

Stacey Ross Cohen is a best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and marketing professional, Stacey holds a BS in Human Development from Syracuse University, an MBA from Fordham University, and a certificate in Media, Entertainment, & Technology from NYU Leonard Stern School of Business. Stacey has traveled the country educating parents, teachers, and teens on personal branding, digital leadership, and communications.

Course Schedule

  • Morning:
    • Topic: Introduction to personal branding and its importance in the digital age.
    • Activities: Students will complete a Personal Branding inventory and engage in self-awareness exercises to uncover strengths, values, and goals.
    • Skill Focus: Self-Awareness and Reflection – understanding personal strengths and identifying key differentiators for a strong brand.


    Afternoon:
    • Topic: Discovering your “Uniquely Me” statement.
    • Activities: Group exercises on finding the perfect adjectives that describe you and creating your Uniquely Me statement.
    • Skill Focus: Communication – creating a concise personal branding statement that communicates strengths and goals.

  • Morning:
    • Topic: Understanding digital footprints and building a consistent online presence.
    • Activities: Audit of social media platforms, discussing clean-up strategies for a professional online presence.
    • Skill Focus: Tech Literacy and Digital Responsibility – managing social media presence and optimizing privacy settings.


    Afternoon:
    • Topic: Crafting your personal brand message for different audiences.
    • Activities: Hands-on exercise in developing a brand message for college admissions and job interviews.
    • Skill Focus: Message Development – tailoring brand messages to various audiences, including college admissions officers and potential employers.

  • Morning:
    • Topic: Developing an online portfolio and creating a LinkedIn profile.
    • Activities: Workshop on building a LinkedIn profile and digital portfolio, highlighting skills, experiences, and accomplishments.
    • Skill Focus: Digital Portfolio Creation – understanding the power of LinkedIn and how to craft an impactful professional profile.

    Afternoon:
    • Topic: Networking for Success.
    • Activities: Networking simulation and role-playing exercises.
    • Skill Focus: Networking – building connections and expanding professional networks for future opportunities.

  • Morning:
    • Topic: Site Visit to Manhattan Marketing/Media Firm
    • Location: NYC-based media or marketing agency.
    • Activities: Tour the agency and meet with professionals to learn how branding strategies are applied in real-world settings.
    • Skill Focus: Industry Knowledge and Professional Development – observing real-world personal branding and marketing strategies.

    Afternoon:
    • Topic: The Entrepreneur in You.
    • Activities: Discussions on personal branding for entrepreneurs and exercises on creating a personal brand for business ventures.
    • Skill Focus: Entrepreneurial Mindset – using personal branding to launch and grow entrepreneurial ventures.

  • Morning:
    • Topic: Personal Brand Presentations.
    • Activities: Students present their personal brand strategy, including their digital portfolio, LinkedIn profile, and Uniquely Me statement.
    • Skill Focus: Presentation and Leadership – refining and presenting a polished personal brand to peers and instructors.

    Afternoon:
    • Topic: Reflecting on Your Brand Journey.
    • Activities: Group reflection on lessons learned, personal growth, and future steps for building and maintaining a personal brand.
    • Skill Focus: Critical Thinking and Adaptability – reflecting on branding strategies and adapting to feedback for future success.

Course Details

BrandUp!: The Superpower of Personal Branding
July 28-August 1, 2025, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Rose Hill Campus
Instructor: Vezina & Cohen

Course Number: 
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This non-credit course is open to high school students only.