Our Free Press Programs
The Freedom Forum supports America’s free press with three flagship programs that connect with journalists throughout various stages of their careers.
Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference
Class of 2023
The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference selects 51 high school juniors from across the country each year for a life-changing conference in Washington, D.C. Participants receive an all-expenses-paid trip and a $1,000 scholarship to the college of their choice. Free Spirits have been described as people who “dream, dare, do,” in the words of Al Neuharth, Freedom Forum and USA TODAY founder, who inspired the program.
Chips Quinn Program for Diversity in Journalism
Class of 2023
The Chips Quinn Program for Diversity in Journalism provides mentorship and training for early career journalists with up to five years of full-time experience. Fellows receive mentorship, training and a $10,000 career stipend.
First Amendment Reporters
Angele Latham and Douglas Soule speak at a Freedom Forum event.
Freedom Forum funds two reporters dedicated to covering the First Amendment beat through a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, a nonprofit that works to increase the depth, diversity and sustainability of local journalism. Angele Latham has been on the First Amendment beat for The Tennessean in Nashville since fall of 2022. Douglas Soule has covered the First Amendment for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida since June 2023.