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.

FIRE Student Network Summer Conference logo

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.

APPLY TODAY

What are the details?

The FSN Summer Conference will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from July 19–21, 2024. 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 Friday, June 28, 2024, 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.

FAQs

What will FIRE reimburse me for? How do I get reimbursed for my travel and lodging costs?

FIRE reimburses for non-Acela, coach train tickets for travel to and from Philadelphia; coach airfare for travel to and from Philadelphia; bus tickets for travel to and from Philadelphia; SEPTA tickets for travel; a flat rate per mile for those driving to the conference; transportation to and from the Philadelphia airport; lodging on July 19 and July 20, 2024; up to $15 for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning.

Following the conference, FIRE will send out a reimbursement form where attendees can upload their receipts and descriptions of the expenses. All reimbursement requests are subject to approval by FIRE. You must save your receipts; FIRE cannot reimburse without receipts. Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, and Credit/Debit card statements are not eligible for reimbursement.

I just graduated from college, am I eligible to attend the conference? 

Our conference is limited to current undergraduate and graduate students. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept recent graduates to our conference.

What’s the dress code for the conference?

The dress code for the conference is business casual. Jeans are okay for daytime programming. More formal attire is appropriate for the evening sessions.

Are there accommodations for dietary restrictions?

FIRE will have options for omnivore, vegetarian, and vegan diets. If you require additional dietary accommodations, please contact conference@thefire.org.

What students are saying

“I had a really incredible time and was really grateful for the opportunity to learn from so many smart and passionate people, and can't wait to bring what I learned back to Iowa's campus!”

"I found [the conference] to be very educational. I thought the FIRE staff was accommodating, kind, and willing to talk to me about issues on my campus…I cannot wait for the next FIRE conference!"

“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. 

Apply today

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