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.

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• 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

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