Gold SignalSelective
Freedom Forum: Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference
Overview
A highly selective, all-expenses-paid 5-day residential journalism and multimedia storytelling conference in Washington, D.C. for high school juniors. Fifty-one participants (one from each state and Washington, D.C.) receive instruction from leading journalists, tour newsrooms, and are awarded $1,000 college scholarships.
At a glance
Deadline
Mar 15123 days
Sessions
Jun1 wk sessions
Formats
Residential
Location
Washington, DC
Cost
Freefrom $0
Entering grades
11th
Acceptance
Highly selective; 51 scholars selected annually (one from each of 50 states plus Washington, D.C.)
Application requirements
Grade Level
Current high school junior (graduating in 2027)
Citizenship
U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Residency
Must reside in one of the 50 states or Washington, D.C.
Interest
Demonstrated passion for journalism or multimedia storytelling
Character
Must embody 'free spirit' qualities: risk-taker, visionary, innovative leader, entrepreneur, courageous achiever
Attendance
Must be able to attend in-person conference June 21–26
Transcript
Unofficial high school transcript required
Essays
Two essays (500 words each): one on journalism/multimedia passion, one on 'free spirit' characteristics
Work Samples
Three journalism or multimedia work samples (articles, photos, yearbook pages, audio/video, etc.)
Recommendations
Two letters of recommendation strongly preferred; one required minimum
Headshot
Color headshot photograph required
Cost & sessions
All expenses paid, including airfare, hotel, and meals. Each scholar receives a $1,000 college scholarship.
Financial aid
Full program funding (all-expenses-paid trip including airfare, hotel, meals) plus $1,000 college scholarship per scholar
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