The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is an engaging, in-depth, five-day summer program for 51 high school juniors (one from each state and the District of Columbia) who "Dream. Dare. Do." Students interested in journalism or multimedia storytelling may apply for this program. Students may get insider access to Washington, D.C., newsrooms, connect with other high school juniors from across the U.S. who share their passion, meet some of the nation's top journalists and multimedia storytellers and explore the capital city. This program also includes a college scholarship. Applicants must be a current high school junior (rising senior by the time of the conference) who will graduate in 2027. They must be interested in journalism or multimedia storytelling (including documentaries, photo essays, podcasts or other digital media) and free expression. Applicants must also be a free spirit, which can mean someone who is a risk-taker, a visionary, an innovative leader, an entrepreneur or a courageous achiever who accomplishes great things beyond his or her normal circumstances. They must be available to attend the entire conference in person on June 21-26, 2026. Two letters of recommendation are strongly preferred, but only one is required to be submitted. Letters should describe the applicant's qualities, interest in journalism or multimedia storytelling and characteristics that make them a free spirit. Letter writers should be familiar with the applicant's work and personal characteristics. Applicants must also submit three journalistic or multimedia storytelling work samples such as: bylined print or online article; bylined photo; yearbook pages; multimedia content; classroom journalism or multimedia storytelling assignments; and/or audio or video samples posted online to YouTube, TikTok, the applicant's own website or other platforms. Two essays are also required. Please visit the program's website for more information.