Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Freedom Forum

The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is an engaging, in-depth, five-day summer program for 51 high school journalists (one from each state and the District of Columbia) who “dream, dare and do.”

Be the one to represent your state and join students from around the country at an exclusive, free Washington, D.C., journalism experience like no other.

The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference Experience

Get insider access to Washington, D.C., newsrooms, connect with students from across the U.S. who share your passion, meet some of the nation’s top journalists and explore our capital city.

Conference Benefits for 51 Selected Students:

• Advice from leading journalists.
• A $1,000 college scholarship.
• A free five-day trip to the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., June 22-27, 2025, with hotel, airfare and meal expenses paid.
• Lifelong connections to 50 fellow students from across the country and professionals who share your passions.
• Ongoing support from a community of more than 1,500 program alumni who work at organizations including Apple, ABC News, Amazon, the “Today” show, the U.S. State Department, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, and start-ups such as digital news site The Juggernaut.

“The 2024 Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference was the most incredible week of my life. It perfectly combined learning from industry professionals with socializing with like-minded student journalists from all across the country.”

How to Apply

To apply for the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference, complete the online application form and upload the required materials. ALL application materials must be uploaded in the online application.

Eligibility

You can apply to be the Free Spirit Scholar representing your state if you are:

• A current high school junior (rising senior) who will graduate in 2026 (one person from each state and the District of Columbia is selected as a representative).
• Interested in journalism and free expression.
• A free spirit (which can mean someone who is creative, or courageous, or risk-taking or persevering or thinks differently or displays some other quality that could be associated with being a free spirit).
• Available to attend the entire conference in person June 22-27, 2025.