51 High School Seniors From Across The U.S. To Attend Washington Journalism Conference At The Newseum

2013 Al Neuharth Free Spirit Journalism Scholars Announced

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fifty-one high school journalists, representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, will explore the First Amendment and the watchdog role of a free press when they attend the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference. The conference will take place at the Newseum from July 13 to 18.

The Free Spirit program, an initiative of the newly established Newseum Institute, is an annual academic and scholarship program designed to inspire and equip some of the nation's best and brightest students to pursue journalism and media careers. The high school seniors, chosen from hundreds of applicants, will attend the conference for free, and each will receive a $1,000 college scholarship. A complete list of the 2013 Al Neuharth Free Spirit Journalism Scholars can be found on freespirit.org.

In partnership with the Journalism Education Association, the Newseum Institute works with high school journalism teachers and news organizations throughout the country to recruit applicants and promote the program. Students are required to submit work samples, letters of reference, a transcript and essays about their interest in journalism and their free spirit qualities.

Through presentations, meetings and experiences at the Newseum and elsewhere in Washington, the students will learn about the First Amendment as a cornerstone of democracy and the vital role of a free and responsible press. Students will study the three branches of government and how journalists cover them.

In addition to touring the Newseum, students will visit the U.S. Capitol and the headquarters of USA Today, and they will attend a taping of NBC's "Meet the Press" with David Gregory at the NBC News studio in Washington. On July 16, the students will meet with NASA astronaut Thomas Marshburn, who will lead an engaging discussion at the Newseum during a scheduled NASA spacewalk, which will be broadcast live on the Newseum's atrium screen. They also will participate in a courtroom simulation with U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth.

About the Newseum
The mission of the Newseum is to champion the five freedoms of the First Amendment through education, information and entertainment. One of the top attractions in Washington, D.C., the Newseum's 250,000-square-foot news museum offers visitors a state-of-the-art experience that blends news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits, and its Newseum Institute serves as a forum for the study, exploration and education of the First Amendment. The Newseum is a 501(c)(3) public charity funded by generous individuals, corporations and foundations, including the Freedom Forum. For more information, visit newseum.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Newseum Institute

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