FIRE Student Network Summer Conference
Join the nation’s premier First Amendment organization for our most educational and interactive student event yet! Spend a weekend with students from across the political spectrum who value the First Amendment and are excited to engage in big conversations.
The FIRE Student Network Summer Conference brings more than 100 college students from across the country to Philadelphia to learn, network, and strategize about free expression. At the conference, you’ll explore the intersection of culture, law, and policy, and leave with an action plan to create real change on your campus.
APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED FOR 2023.
What are the details?
The FSN Summer Conference will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from July 21–23, 2023. The conference will kick off on Friday evening and will end on Sunday afternoon.
We welcome students who attend U.S. colleges and universities, including graduate students and incoming first-year students, to apply.
Applications are due Monday, July 17, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
What’s included?
Meals will be provided for all attendees. FIRE will also reimburse attendees for up to $500 of travel and lodging costs. Students must attend the entirety of the conference to be eligible for a travel reimbursement.
What students are saying
“It is not often that you get a chance to listen to such brilliant individuals in-person, so to get that chance while sharing a space with such passionate advocates for the First Amendment was very special.”
"I met tons of people that came from all around the country that all had different stories about how they got involved with FIRE. Meeting those people and learning their stories was very enriching. I also loved the breakout sessions, presentations, and keynote speakers of which I learned a lot more about the world of campus free speech and what rights students have and how those rights play out in real life."
“It was great to see … people getting along, talking and laughing together, asking each other questions, agreeing on middle ground even for those emotionally polarizing issues, and ultimately listening to and learning from each others’ perspectives. The students at the conference, and everyone at FIRE, seem like a model for the kind of humble, nuanced, open-mindedness that I think is incredibly necessary in politics — and everywhere.”
“I would highly recommend FIRE events such as this to anyone who wishes to advance an understanding of first amendment law and free speech culture.”
Ready to speak out on campus? This is your chance to learn how to ignite your rights.