Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference

What this program actually is

Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is a summer program run by Freedom Forum. It's built for 11th grade students who want to work in person alongside Freedom Forum on Journalism.

The program runs for 1 week, based out of Washington, D.C.. There's no cost to participate. That covers the program itself — check the official page separately for whether travel, housing, or meals are included.

Who it's for

Programs like this get the strongest applications from students who can point to a specific reason they want this one — not just "any research program" or "any internship."

• Students in 11th grade — check the official page for exact grade cutoffs before applying.
• Open to students nationwide (and often internationally — verify on the official site).
• Strongest fit for students already curious about: Journalism. You don't need prior formal experience — curiosity beats credentials.

Typical day-to-day in programs like this

The following describes what participants generally do in summer programs of this shape — not a confirmed schedule for Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference. Always check the official program page for the actual activities.

• Take structured coursework alongside peers who care about the same thing you do.
• Complete a project or capstone that you can point to in future applications.
• Build a small, real network of students and instructors you can stay in touch with.

How to apply well

Selection is competitive but not unrealistic. A thoughtful application usually beats a decorated one.

• Start with the deadline: February 15. Work backwards — most students underestimate how long recommendations and essay drafts take.
• Read the official page twice before writing anything. Note the exact prompts and word counts.
• Answer the actual question. Reviewers read hundreds of essays; specificity beats polish.
• Submit at least 24 hours before the deadline. Portals crash. Files fail to upload. Give yourself the buffer.

Cost, funding & logistics

Cost and logistics kill more applications than eligibility does. Sort these out before you get emotionally invested.

• Format: In person in Washington, D.C..
• Duration: 1 week.
• There's no cost to participate. That covers the program itself — check the official page separately for whether travel, housing, or meals are included.
• If travel or housing is required and cost is a concern, email the program directly and ask what aid is available. Programs rarely publish everything they can offer.

After the program

The most valuable thing you leave Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference with is usually not the credential — it's the two or three people you met and the one concrete thing you made. Keep in touch with your mentors and peers; they're the beginning of a professional network in Journalism.

Add the program to your resume, but also write down (for yourself) what specifically you learned, what you'd do differently, and what question you now want to answer next. That reflection is what turns a summer into a direction.