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Overview

Overview

FIRE is excited to offer a year-long, paid, remote program as part of our efforts to educate and empower students on American college and university campuses. This opportunity gives current undergraduates the chance to collaborate with ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ in defending civil liberties across the country, while also developing a personal project to promote ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥â€™s mission on their own campuses.

The experience is fully remote. The 2025–2026 program will begin on October 6, 2025, and will run through May 1, 2026. Campus Scholars will receive a $2,000 stipend upon successful completion of the program and their project. Scholars are also required to attend the ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ Student Development Summit in early 2026.

Applications are due Friday, September 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Qualifications and Responsibilities

FIRE is seeking intelligent and energetic undergraduate students attending U.S.-based colleges or universities who are passionate about free speech and civil liberties. Ideal candidates are responsible, organized, and self-motivated, with a demonstrated interest in advocacy and a history of taking action for causes they believe in. Strong research, writing, and communication skills are essential.

FIRE Campus Scholars will:

• Design and complete a personal project aligned with ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥â€™s mission, funded through a ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ grant, over the course of one semester
  • Examples of potential projects include:
    • Hosting a free speech conference on campus
    • Building a campus-focused free speech website
    • Developing a research proposal aligned with ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥â€™s mission
    • Or something entirely new! (See past project examples here)
• Attend the ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ Student Development Summit in Florida in early 2026
  • This event is fully funded by ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥, including all travel and accommodation expenses.
• Assist with ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ projects throughout the semester, including research, development, and outreach
• Recommend peers to ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ events, our Summer Internship Program, and the Campus Scholars Program
• Submit a final report detailing the outcomes and impact of their project

Application Procedures

The fall semester application deadline is Friday, September 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the program’s competitive nature, early applications are strongly encouraged.

Applicants must submit:

• A résumé
• A project proposal outlining their goals and plans
• A budget estimate, detailing how they would use the ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ grant to support free expression or First Amendment rights on their campus
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Your proposal doesn’t need to be final, but it should include a clear objective, your plan to achieve it, and a well-thought-out budget. Selected candidates will undergo a formal interview, including the opportunity to present their project.

Questions? Contact us at: internship@thefire.org

FAQs

1. Is the ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ Campus Scholars Program open to high school students, graduate students, law students, or international students?
 No. The program is only open to undergraduate students attending accredited institutions in the United States. For more opportunities, visit our jobs page or check out our Legal Clerkship Program for rising second- and third-year law students.

2. What is the time commitment?
 Campus Scholars are expected to work an average of 4 hours per week remotely. They will also participate in bimonthly check-ins with the Campus Scholar Coordinator.

3. When will I be paid?
Campus Scholars will receive their $2,000 stipend after May 1, 2026, provided all requirements have been met. This includes timely completion of all project responsibilities. The stipend is taxable income and subject to tax withholdings.

4. What kinds of support will I receive throughout the program?
Campus Scholars receive one-on-one guidance from a member of the ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ Student Development team, ongoing mentorship, and access to ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥â€™s free speech resources. You won’t be doing this alone — we’re here to help you succeed.

5. Can I work with a team or partner on my project?
While we expect each applicant to lead and be accountable for their individual project, collaborative projects may be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are applying as a team or plan to involve others, explain that in your proposal.