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Free Speech Forum

American University, Washington, DC: June 20-26, 2027

Spend a week in Washington, D.C. exploring the First Amendment and connecting with students from around the country and across the political spectrum!

Student speaking at the 2024 FIRE Free Speech Leadership Summit

Hosted by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), the nation's premier free speech organization, the Free Speech Forum is a free, week-long summer program for rising 10th through 12th graders who want to better understand their rights and learn how to defend them.

FIRE is proudly nonpartisan and we bring students with different viewpoints together to explore what the First Amendment protects, why it matters, and how to stand up for speech even when it's unpopular.

Highlights

Learn from First Amendment experts, including attorneys and scholars, with past speakers like Nadine Strossen, Mary Beth Tinker, and Daryl Davis.
Put your skills to the test with interactive workshops, group projects, debates, and public speaking opportunities.
Explore Washington, D.C., including a field trip to the National Mall.
Meet students from across the country who have different viewpoints and perspectives.
Be a part of a close-knit community, with a 10:1 student-to-staff ratio and trained residential counselors on site at all times.

Who Should Apply?

Are you interested in politics, journalism, law, or debate? Maybe you want to be a lawyer one day, enjoy sharing your hot takes, or want to better understand the First Amendment. If so, the Free Speech Forum is for you!

The Free Speech Forum is a highly competitive program with 200 students selected to attend.

Applicants must attend a U.S. high school and be rising 10th, 11th, or 12th graders. Students must be at least 15 years old by the start of the program and no older than 18 by its conclusion.

Applications open November 9, 2027

About FIRE's Free Speech Forum

Freedom of speech is a fundamental American right. It is essential for democracy, scientific progress, artistic expression, social justice, peace, and our ability to live authentically. FIRE is committed to promoting free speech, particularly to younger generations, and showing that it's a value worth fighting for. We believe in the next generation’s potential to advance free speech culture and we’re here to help them succeed.

FIRE is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit that defends and promotes the value of free speech for all Americans in our courtrooms, on our campuses, and in our culture. Read more about our mission and work.

How would you respond if your school tried to cancel a controversial speaker? What if someone was punished for an unpopular opinion or an offensive social media post? Throughout the week, you'll tackle questions like these and learn how the law applies to controversies that have really happened.
By the end of the Free Speech Forum, you will leave with a strong understanding of the First Amendment, the skills to engage in discussions with people who have different opinions, and the confidence to advocate for free speech.
- 8:00 a.m. Breakfast
- 9:15 a.m. Homeroom
- 10:00 a.m. Free speech workshop
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch and break
- 2:00 p.m. Interactive group session
- 3:30 p.m. Free time
- 5:00 p.m. Keynote speaker
- 6:00 p.m. Dinner
- 7:00 p.m. Ice cream social and yard games in the Quad
- 9:00 p.m. Wind-down time
- 10:00 p.m. Room check and lights out
When are applications due?
Applications are due on Monday, March 22, 2027.

FIRE receives hundreds of applications for the Free Speech Forum each year. Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis, so we strongly encourage students to apply early.
What are the requirements to apply?
- Rising 10th–12th graders who are at least 15 years old by the start of the program and no older than 18 by the conclusion
- Currently enrolled in a U.S. high school
- Applicants must provide proof of enrollment, such as a student ID showing their graduation year, class schedule, enrollment letter, or transcript. You’ll be able to upload this documentation as part of the application.
- Priority is given to first-time Free Speech Forum attendees
What are you looking for in an applicant?
We're looking for students who are interested in free speech and excited to learn from different perspectives.
In your application, tell us what makes you interested in attending the Free Speech Forum. Share personal stories and experiences that help us get to know you.
When can I expect to hear back about my application?
We review applications on a rolling basis. All applicants will be notified of their admissions decision by email no later than April 30, 2027.
Accepted students will receive instructions for confirming their spot and completing registration. Once registered, they'll receive additional information about travel, accommodations, the schedule, and everything they need to prepare for the Free Speech Forum. We also host webinars for accepted students and their families to learn more about what to expect.
How much does it cost?
The forum is free! FIRE is committed to making it accessible for students to attend nationwide.
Is financial assistance available to help with transportation costs?
We offer a limited number of need-based scholarships to help students with their travel costs to and from Washington, D.C. Students will be notified about the scholarship application process after they are accepted.
How should students get to the American University campus?
Students will be responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Washington, D.C.
Transportation to and from American University via Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport or Union Station will be provided at no cost to registered students who opt-in.
How much supervision is there?
In addition to the FIRE speakers and staff, trained residential counselors will be on site at all times throughout the week to supervise attendees. There will be a student-to-staff ratio of 10 to one.
How are roommates selected?
Students will be placed in same-gender rooms. We’re happy to accommodate roommate requests (so feel free to invite your friends to apply!). Registered students will have the opportunity to indicate their roommate preferences as the event approaches, but we cannot guarantee placement.
Can a student attend just part of the forum, or is full participation required?
Students must attend the entire program and remain on site throughout its duration. We cannot accommodate late arrivals or early departures. Attendees are required to check in by 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2027.
Additionally, we are unable to accommodate commuter attendees; all participants must reside on site for the full program.
I’m interested, but not ready to apply. What should I do?
Fill out this form to stay up to date on forum news and announcements.
How do I ask a question about the forum?
Email us at conference@fire.org.
Highlighted facts
- A free, week-long summer program for rising 10th–12th graders
- Learn from leading First Amendment attorneys and scholars
- Experience college life at American University
- Connect with students from across the country
- 10:1 student-to-staff ratio with trained residential counselors

What you'll get from the Free Speech Forum

A free, week-long summer program for rising 10th–12th graders

Greg Lukianoff keynote at the 2023 FSN Summer Conference

Learn from leading First Amendment attorneys and scholars

2022 Intern Class taking a bow after leading a session at the Summer Conference

Experience college life at American University

Capitol sunset Pennsylvania Avenue congress Washington DC

Connect with students from across the country

10:1 student-to-staff ratio with trained residential counselors

Microphone and stand in front of room of people auditorium. (Image via Shutterstock.com)

Develop your voice through debates, workshops, and hands-on activities

What Can I Expect This Summer?

Academic Enrichment

Throughout the week, you'll learn from First Amendment experts through interactive workshops, debates, lectures, and small-group activities. You'll have opportunities to ask questions, challenge ideas, and practice defending your own perspectives.

FIRE is not an accredited institution, therefore we do not offer credit for our programs. However, some schools may choose to offer credit if students follow established school or district guidelines. Check with your school to see if you can earn credit for your participation in the forum.

The College Experience

Get ready for a taste of college life! You'll stay in an American University dorm with a roommate for a week of learning and making new friends.

With a lot of workshops, group activities, and evening social events, you'll have plenty of opportunities to connect with other students who share your interest in free speech. Whether you're debating big ideas in the homeroom or hanging out in the dorms after a busy day, the friendships you make may be one of the best parts of the experience!

Forum Faculty and Counselors

Our faculty includes First Amendment attorneys, scholars, and advocates. You'll have the opportunity to learn from experts who work on some of today's most important free speech issues.

Our counselors, who are either current college students or recent graduates, are selected through a rigorous and competitive application process. Some of our counselors are even former Free Speech Forum attendees! They'll be there throughout the week to supervise activities, answer questions, and help make the Free Speech Forum a memorable experience.

Support, Safety, and Well-Being

Student safety and well-being are top priorities at the Free Speech Forum. Our counselors undergo background checks and training to help ensure a safe and supportive environment for all participants.

American University provides a secure campus environment with 24-hour security, controlled building access, and restricted residence hall entry. Students are supervised throughout the program and are not permitted to leave American University or explore campus without staff supervision. All off-campus activities and field trips are supervised by FIRE staff.

We understand that spending a week away from home can be a new experience for some students. Our counselors and staff are available throughout the week to provide support, answer questions, and help students feel comfortable and included.

Meals

We prioritize food safety, and have protocols in place. All AU kitchen managers are ServSafe certified, and all culinary staff follow strict food safety procedures. For more information, visit AU's Food Safety Page.

Staying in Touch During the Forum

We want families to feel connected throughout the week. FIRE will provide daily updates about program activities and share photos so families can see what students are up to.

A 24-hour phone line will be available throughout the program.