CGW 2026 is October 15 — secure your spot now.
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October 15, 2026

The Content Generation Workshop

A Student-Centered Digital Citizenship Event Unlike Any Other

Gathering student content creators nationwide—in person and virtually—to learn, create, and connect.

More Connected & Collaborative Than Ever

Focusing on digital content creation across social channels, the annual Content Generation Workshop (CGW) connects students from across the country to explore topics ranging from engagement and visual branding to video production and copywriting. It’s a unique opportunity for student content creators to connect, network, and collaborate in real time. It’s also an important touchpoint for instilling digital responsibility and digital citizenship in today’s content creators. In doing so, we hope to build even more momentum behind our mission to make social media a force for good in learning environments around the world.

Attracting Students Nationwide

The Content Generation Workshop is a hybrid event that brings together both in-person and virtual attendees through live presentations streamed from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to participants across the country. From Quick Hit Challenges and live sessions to guest speakers and content contests, the Content Generation Workshop is an immersive experience unlike any other.

Join us virtually from anywhere in the world or in person at the main event in Lincoln, Nebraska. Note: Student teams must have an adult chaperone to attend in person.

2025 Content Generation Workshop Stats
400+Attendees
29States Represented
72Schools Represented

Built on Five Pillars of Pedagogy

Every keynote, session, and challenge ties back to one of these five pillars.

Storytelling

Creating authentic content that connects with school audiences.

Skill Building

Practical, hands-on training from industry experts & professionals.

Student Voice

Giving students the tools to create, contribute, and communicate meaningfully.

Digital Citizenship

Building the habits and judgment students need to participate responsibly online.

Community

Connecting classrooms, families, and communities through storytelling.

Register Your Student Team

Register teams of up to 8 students (and one adult chaperone) to attend in person or virtually. Adult attendees are also welcome virtually.

Thursday, October 15, 2026  |  9 a.m.–3 p.m. Central

Register by September 25, 2026 to guarantee swag for in-person and virtual w/swag attendees. See full registration details.

2026 Lineup

Speakers with Rich Histories, Experience, and Backgrounds

The Content Generation Workshop has welcomed communications strategists, filmmakers, professors, and storytellers from across the country.

Kadina Koonce

Assistant Director of Career Development & Planning, UNL College of Business

Alexis Thompson

Marketing Coordinator at Runza Restaurants & Lifestyle Content Creator

The full speaker lineup and session schedule will be announced soon.

Mike Smith

Youth Advocate, Social Entrepreneur & Storyteller

Akwi Nji

Communications Strategist & Professional Artist

Dr. Charlena Miller

Professor & AI Integration Expert

Erin Sorensen

Emmy-Award-Winning Sports Reporter & Producer

Aaron Nix

Award-Winning Filmmaker & Video Professional

Noah Young

Social Media Influencer & Agriculture Thought-Leader

Kristin Sukraw

Executive Producer, Author & Filmmaker

Sydney Long

Senior Marketing Manager in Tourism & Hospitality

Agenda Preview

Times listed in Central Time
8:30 a.m.

Doors Open for Arrival

9:00 – 9:15 a.m.

Welcome

Dr. Jill Johnson

9:15 – 10:30 a.m.

Keynote

Andrea Gribble

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Speakers and Quick-Hit Challenges

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch on Your Own

1:00 – 2:45 p.m.

Speakers and Quick-Hit Challenges

2:45 – 3:00 p.m.

Awards and Closing

Challenging Students to Create Content in Real-Time

Quick hit challenges prompt students to brainstorm content around a certain theme, create it and submit it in real-time. It’s a fun, collaborative, and competitive exercise that puts the day’s skills into practice immediately.

I learned how to be more creative and work outside of my bubble. There were certain tasks we had to do that I never would have done if it wasn’t for me being in attendance.

Braedyn Towler — Student, Northwest Public Schools

What stood out to me most was the idea that effective content isn’t just about information, it’s about connection. Understanding the “why” behind the message helps create content that feels meaningful and inspires people to take action.

Becca Bradley — JAG Nebraska Regional Director

I love that there is a virtual option! Being on the east coast, it is wonderful to be able to hear how folks in other parts of the country are doing things and to share ideas!!

Amber Belako — Director of Communications, Amherst County Public Schools

Ways to Support the Content Generation Workshop

Host a Local Workshop

Local partnerships reduce travel burden and make CGW more accessible to more schools.

Inquire About Hosting

Become a Sponsor

Sponsorships help us reach more students and schools with storytelling and digital citizenship skills.

Become a Sponsor

Share Your Story

We’re always looking for speakers with diverse backgrounds and expertise to contribute.

Share Your Story

Content Generation Workshop FAQs

Who is CGW for?

The event is open to any students or adults wanting to learn more about content creation. The skills learned at the Content Generation Workshop are transferrable to any industry and valuable for many roles.

What ages or grades should attend?

There are no strict age parameters. Attendance has traditionally been high school, with some middle school groups joining as well.

How many people can attend from my school?

Teams of up to 8 students accompanied by one adult chaperone.

How does the virtual experience work?

The entire event is hosted on Zoom with a professional camera crew. Last year, virtual participants joined from 29 states.

Does it cost anything to attend?

In-person and virtual with swag teams pay $100 to register. The fee covers the cost of swag items students receive. Schools will receive their complete amount back in swag.

Where should teams go to register?

Adult sponsors register the full team using the registration link above.

In Person Spots Are Limited

Ready to bring your team to CGW 2026?

Registration is open for the 7th annual Content Generation Workshop on October 15, 2026. Join us in person or virtually.

Register Now