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

Applications are now open for the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference, scheduled for June 21-26, 2026. 

This skill-building, network-growing, life-changing experience is free for the 51 high school juniors selected to be Free Spirit Scholars: one student from each state and Washington, D.C.   

Participating students will: 

• Enjoy a free trip to Washington, D.C.  

• Get insider access to newsroom tours 

• Experience in-depth panels featuring top journalists from major media outlets  

• Attend special events with industry leaders and journalists  

• Receive ongoing support from a community of more than 1,700 alumni 

• Earn a $1,000 college scholarship 

Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, the annual conference, established to honor Al Neuharth, founder of Freedom Forum and USA TODAY, is designed to inspire and encourage high school juniors to pursue careers in journalism, multimedia storytelling and the media industry. 

Many alumni have gone on to work for organizations including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, ESPN, network-affiliated TV stations, the “This American Life” podcast, entrepreneurial media outlets like The Juggernaut and more.  

Apply now by March 15, 2026.