DEADLINE: Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference for High School Juniors

Freedom Forum's annual Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference for high school juniors returns to the nation’s capital June 22-27, 2025.

A skills-building, network-growing head start on your future  

This summer journalism conference provides 51 students (one high school junior from each state plus the District of Columbia) with an all-expenses-paid program that includes in-depth panel conversations with journalists, behind-the-scenes newsroom visits, a chance to meet students and industry leaders who share a passion for news, and a unique D.C. experience. Participants also receive a $1,000 college scholarship and ongoing support from a community of more than 1,500 alumni. 

High school juniors who will graduate in spring 2026 are encouraged to apply by March 23.

The program was established in 1999 to honor Al Neuharth, founder of The Freedom Forum and USA TODAY. The conference is designed to inspire and encourage students to pursue journalism.

More than 1,500 Free Spirit Scholars have gone on to work for organizations including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, ESPN, the “This American Life” podcast, entrepreneurial media outlets like The Juggernaut, network-affiliated television news stations and more.

Free Spirits have been described as people who “dream, dare and do.” Those are words that conference participants demonstrate each day, and they are the program’s motto.