# Medill Cherubs vs Free Spirit: Which Program Is Right for You?

Two summer journalism programs for high school juniors that are built for different things: Medill Cherubs is four weeks of reporting, writing and editing training at Northwestern, while the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is a five-day Washington, D.C., program for one junior from each state. Choose the first for training and the second for a national cohort — or apply to both.

Side-by-side comparison of [Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute (Cherubs)](https://extracurricularhub.com/extracurriculars/northwestern-national-high-school-institute-cherubs-journalism) and [Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference](https://extracurricularhub.com/extracurriculars/al-neuharth-free-spirit). A blank row is a fact we do not hold — not a zero, and not a no.

## At a glance

| | Medill Cherubs | Free Spirit |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cost | $5,000 | Free |
| Application deadline | March 1, 2027 | Opens November 13, 2026; closing date unconfirmed |
| Grade eligibility | Grade 11 | Grade 11 |
| Format | In person | In person |
| Location | Evanston, IL, United States | Washington, DC, United States |
| Program dates | June 28, 2026 | June 20, 2027–June 25, 2027 |
| Application destination | nhsi.northwestern.edu | freedomforum.org |
| Organizer | Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, Northwestern University | Freedom Forum |

## Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute (Cherubs)

A summer journalism program for up to 90 rising high school seniors on Northwestern's campus in Evanston, Illinois.

Full profile: https://extracurricularhub.com/extracurriculars/northwestern-national-high-school-institute-cherubs-journalism (markdown: https://extracurricularhub.com/extracurriculars/northwestern-national-high-school-institute-cherubs-journalism.md)

## Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference

A five-day summer program for 51 high school juniors, one from each state and the District of Columbia.

Full profile: https://extracurricularhub.com/extracurriculars/al-neuharth-free-spirit (markdown: https://extracurricularhub.com/extracurriculars/al-neuharth-free-spirit.md)

## Frequently asked questions

### Which is cheaper, Medill Cherubs or Free Spirit?

Medill Cherubs: $5,000. Free Spirit: Free. Confirm each figure on the program's official page before budgeting.

### Can I apply to both Medill Cherubs and Free Spirit?

The application destinations are evaluated independently. Medill Cherubs: nhsi.northwestern.edu. Free Spirit: freedomforum.org. Review each provider's current instructions before assuming either application is open or compatible with the other.

### Which is better for college applications, Medill Cherubs or Free Spirit?

We do not rank enrichment programs by admissions value. Use the comparison to assess whether each program's documented constraints fit your situation, and check the details that decide it for you on each program's official page.

### What grades can apply to Medill Cherubs and Free Spirit?

Medill Cherubs: Grade 11. Free Spirit: Grade 11. Eligibility can change between cycles, so confirm it on each program's official page before applying.

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