Testimonials

Class of 2014, Washington, D.C.
Associate editorial producer, CBS Sports

“Al Neuharth's mantra of “Dream. Dare. Do” has encouraged me to take risks while propelling my storytelling in a way that highlights individuals from different walks of life throughout the country.”

Watch Derrell’s Video

Class of 2003, Connecticut
Host, “Question Everything” NPR podcast

“Being a Free Spirit is being unafraid to speak the truth, to say something that might bother someone in power. As a high schooler, it was thrilling — and eye-opening — to learn that there was a serious organization in D.C. that was promoting this idea to kids, telling us, ‘This is good! It’s important to antagonize authority!’”

Class of 2013, Wisconsin
Congressional reporter, The New York Times

“Every high school junior who is even vaguely interested in media, politics, democracy should apply. Being able to collect the business cards of some of the reporters that spoke with us, to be able to call them up to ask for guidance even after the conference … was really helpful.”

Watch Catie’s Video

2024 Free Spirit Scholar, South Dakota

“I also had the opportunity to speak with award-winning reporters, such as David Fahrenthold, who gave me some great advice on how I can improve my writing, both as a journalist, and as a general writer.”

Class of 2008, New York
Founder and CEO, The Juggernaut

“Being a Free Spirit Scholar stays with you for life. So if you have an opportunity to come, join, meet these incredible people and make friends for life, don't miss out.”

Watch Snigdha’s Video

Class of 2016, West Virginia
State government reporter, WUSF/NPR

“To have those nerdy conversations that I couldn't have with anyone back home gave me a support network. I am thankful for it. Even today. All you have to do is apply, and if you get it, you get a free week in D.C. with other people your age who love journalism just as much.”

Watch Doug’s Video

Class of 2004, Oregon
Author, director, producer, focused on sports and business

“I literally cannot imagine my life without the Free Spirit scholarship. … To have an organization believe in me and support me as I was starting out still means the world to me.”

Class of 2007, Maryland
Senior White House reporter, The Washington Post

“It not only led to me getting into college, it led to me getting my first internship … after college, and both the adult professionals who I met and my peers on the program became lifelong friends and contacts who I'm still in touch with.”

Watch Isaac’s Video

2025 Free Spirit Scholar, Minnesota

“From captivating Q&As with professional journalists to behind-the-scenes tours to bonding with like-minded peers, the Free Spirit and Journalism Conference was truly all-inclusive. I returned with a strengthened appreciation for the First Amendment and renewed interest in pursuing a career in journalism.”