The Freedom Forum runs this conference each June for high school juniors interested in journalism, multimedia storytelling and free expression.
One student from each US state and the District of Columbia spends five days in Washington, D.C. visiting newsrooms, hearing from journalists and media professionals, and networking with peers and the program’s alumni.
Benefits & funding
- Airfare, hotel and meals covered for the five-day trip (June 20–25, 2027).
- A $1,000 college scholarship for each scholar.
- Newsroom visits, panels and access to an alumni network of more than 1,700.
Eligibility
- Current high school juniors (rising seniors by the time of the conference).
- US citizens or US permanent residents, living in one of the 50 states or Washington, D.C.
- Interested in journalism or multimedia storytelling.
- Able to attend the whole conference in person.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
“A current high school junior (rising senior by the time of the conference)” Eligibility
Eligible nationalities
USA
Residents of USA can also apply.
Residence required
USA
Education required
High School
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Application process
- 1Opens 13 November 2026; the 2027 closing date is not yet posted (the 2026 cycle closed 15 March 2026).
- 2Submit the online form with an unofficial transcript, a color headshot and three work samples (published or unpublished).
- 3Add two 500-word essays and at least one letter of recommendation (two strongly preferred).
Program timeline
Previous cycle’s deadline (2026 conference)
Mar 15, 2026
Applications open for 2027
Nov 13, 2026
Selection notices
Mid-May 2027
Conference in Washington, D.C.
Jun 20, 2027 to Jun 25, 2027