Inspiring the Next Generation of Journalists

Every year, the Journalism Education Association hosts Scholastic Journalism Week, a celebration of student journalism. Taking place Feb. 24-28, this year’s theme is “Power of the Press.” Inspiring the next generation of journalists to seek the truth through unbiased reporting is vital in our rapidly changing world and media landscape.

For more than 20 years, the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference has encouraged high school journalists to pursue their passion and build their journalism skills. From Washington Post reporter Isaac Arnsdorf to New York Times reporter Catie Edmondson to Snigdha Sur, founder and CEO of The Juggernaut, Free Spirit alumni report relevant and powerful news stories and information on multiple platforms.

The legacy will continue when a new group of students travels to Washington, D.C., in June 2025. The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is a one-of-a-kind skill-building, network-growing, jumpstart-on-your-future experience that provides insider access to newsrooms and top journalists, connections with students from across the U.S., an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., and a $1,000 scholarship. For an insider’s perspective, visit the Free Spirit website, where alumni share their "life-changing" experiences from the conference.

The deadline for applications is March 23. Apply or share with the student journalist in your life today!