Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference Opening Soon
Offered by Freedom Forum
About This Scholarship
The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference selects one high school junior from every state plus the District of Columbia — 51 students in all — for a free five-day journalism program in Washington, D.C., each June. The program honors Al Neuharth, the founder of USA TODAY and Freedom Forum, and 2026 marked its 25th year.
Each Free Spirit Scholar receives a $1,000 college scholarship on top of the all-expenses-paid trip, which includes airfare, hotel, and meals. The week itself is the bigger prize: newsroom tours at outlets like The Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, Fox News, and C-SPAN, panels with working journalists, and access to an alumni network that reaches into most major American newsrooms.
Because selection is one winner per state, your competition is only the other applicants from your state — a meaningful edge for strong candidates in less populous states. The 2027 application opens November 13, 2026, and closes March 7, 2027, with the conference set for June 20-25, 2027.
Eligibility
- Current high school junior (rising senior by the time of the June conference) who will graduate the following year
- Interested in journalism or multimedia storytelling and free expression
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Reside in one of the 50 states or Washington, D.C. (U.S. territories not eligible)
- Available to attend the entire conference in person in Washington, D.C., June 20-25, 2027
How To Apply
- Wait for the application to open November 13, 2026, on the Freedom Forum program page (a notify-me signup is available now)
- Complete the online application form — online application is the only method of entry
- Write two essays of up to 500 words each: one on your passion for journalism or multimedia storytelling, one on what makes you a "free spirit"
- Upload three journalistic or multimedia work samples (published or unpublished), your transcript, and letter(s) of recommendation
- Submit everything by 11:59 p.m. PT on March 7, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly do winners receive?
A $1,000 college scholarship plus a free five-day trip to Washington, D.C. — airfare, hotel, and meals covered — for the June 20-25, 2027, conference with newsroom tours and sessions led by working journalists.
Who can apply?
Current high school juniors only. One student is chosen from each state and D.C., so you compete against other juniors from your own state rather than a national pool.
Do I need published clips to apply?
No. The three required work samples may be published or unpublished, and formats range from bylined articles and photography to podcasts, video, yearbook pages, and classroom assignments.