2025 Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference Application

Thank you for your interest in the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference!

Before you begin the online application, please review:
- How to Apply
- Frequently Asked Questions
Students from across the United States will be selected to participate in a five-day, all-expenses-paid conference in Washington, D.C., on June 22-27, 2025. The deadline for applications is March 23, 2025. All applicants will be notified by mid-May whether or not they have been selected for the program.

The Freedom Forum makes all determinations without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or any other protected classification.

To save your application to complete later, click “Save Progress” and create a Jotform account.

Send any additional questions to info@freespiritjournalism.org. Please let us know if you are unable to upload any of the required application materials.

DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Full Name*

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Preferred Name*
Birthday*

MonthDayYear
Address*
City*
State*
Zip Code*
Home Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
Cell Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Applicant Email*
Personal emails only; No school-affiliated emails
Parent’s Email*
Ethnicity*
Other (please specify)
Gender*
Do you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions? If so, please list them below.
PARENTAL/GUARDIAN INFORMATION
Parent/Guardian Name*

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry
Parent/Guardian Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number

ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Type of School*
School Name*
School Website
Overall GPA*
Graduation Month*
Graduation Year*
Principal's Name*

First NameLast Name
Principal's Email
Guidance Counselor 's Name*

First NameLast Name
Guidance Counselor's Email
Journalism Adviser's Name

First NameLast Name
Journalism Adviser's Email
Publication Type*
School Newspaper*
School Newspaper Website
School Yearbook*
Other*
What type of media organizations would you like to work for after you graduate college? Please select all that appy.*

NewspaperRadioTelevisionMagazineOnlineOther
Other (please specify)

ACTIVITIES/COMMUNITY SERVICE/AWARDS
Please list your top three extracurricular activities. (1200 character max)

0/1200
Please list your top three community service or volunteer activities. (1200 character max)

0/1200
Please list any awards or honors received during high school.

ATTACHMENTS
Please upload two essays.

No more than 500 words. PDFs only. Essay 1: Describe your interest in and passion for journalism. Essay 2: What characteristics make you a “free spirit?” Describe the qualities, experiences and/or challenges that make you a free spirit. Possible characteristics include leadership, courage, creativity, risk-taking, innovative thinking, perseverance or rising above circumstances to accomplish something extraordinary.
ESSAY ONE*

Upload a File
.pdf only Cancelof
ESSAY TWO*

Upload a File
.pdf only Cancelof
Please upload a copy of your (unofficial) academic transcript.

PDF only.
UPLOAD TRANSCIPT*

Upload a File
.pdf only Cancelof
Please upload two letters of recommendation.

Letters of recommendation should include the contact information of the person providing it. If possible, letters of recommendation should be submitted on official letterhead.
UPLOAD LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION*

Upload a File
.pdf only Cancelof
Please upload three journalistic samples.

Please provide links to your published work. If not published, upload samples below. Acceptable formats include: PDF, MP3 (audio), MP4 (video), JPEG, PNG and GIF. Max file size for each file is 100MB.
LINKS TO SAMPLES
Do not send Google document links.
UPLOAD SAMPLES

Upload a File
.pdf, .mp3, .mp4, .jpeg, .png, or .gif Cancelof
Please upload a headshot photo.

If selected as a winner, your headshot will be published online and in print.
HEADSHOT*

Upload a File
.jpg, .jpeg, .png, or .gif Cancelof
What is the city/airport/train station you would be departing from should you be chosen to attend the conference in Washington, D.C.? We will use this information to book your train or air travel.
STUDENT FEEDBACK
Please tell us how you heard about the program.*

FamilyFree Spirit AlumniFriendInternet AdInternet SearchJEA/NSPA ConferenceJournalism TeacherSchool Newspapers Online (SNO)Social Media
What website did you find us on?
Free Spirit Alumnus Name
Today's Date*
AGREE TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Once you have submitted the application, you will receive a confirmation email.

If you do NOT receive a confirmation email, please check your junk email folder to see if it was directed there.

In submitting these materials, I certify that all of the information provided is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
E-signature*

First NameLast Name
Today's Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
We will not release your information to any outside entity and will use the data provided here for the purposes that you indicated above. You can view our Privacy Policy here.
Should be Empty:

DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

PARENTAL/GUARDIAN INFORMATION

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

ACTIVITIES/COMMUNITY SERVICE/AWARDS

ATTACHMENTS

Please upload two essays.

Please upload a copy of your (unofficial) academic transcript.

Please upload two letters of recommendation.

Please upload three journalistic samples.

Please upload a headshot photo.

STUDENT FEEDBACK

AGREE TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS