By Gianmarco Antosca, Director of Youth Expression Advocacy at the National Coalition Against Censorship, a Unite Against Book Bans partner.
The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) invites high school students to join the Student Advocates for Speech (SAS) this fall! Applications are open on a rolling basis for a limited number of spots and the program begins on September 9th.
The future of our democratic and First Amendment freedoms is not as assured as we might have thought — that’s why it’s up to us to uphold the values of freedom and civic discourse that make our country great.
To strengthen the foundations of free expression and ensure that the next generation is prepared to handle the challenges of the future, NCAC began the Student Advocates for Speech program in 2022. This fall it enters its fifth year!
Applications Accepted Through August
Applications are now open for the fall 2026 cohort of the Student Advocates for Speech! If you, or a high school student you know, are ready to stand up for democracy, now is your moment. Student Advocates for Speech is open to any high school students in the United States who are interested in becoming free speech advocates and making a real impact in their communities. Join us on the journey to defend the First Amendment and champion the principles of free expression for all.
About Student Advocates for Speech
Each year, the National Coalition Against Censorship designs a program of seminars and workshops that introduce students to leaders in the field of free speech, develop their own deeper understanding of their rights, and share practical skills and experiences. The program is arranged around bi-monthly seminars which highlight new free expression issues, explore the varied effects of censorship, and develop students’ advocacy and civic engagement skills.
Student Advocates for Speech have been nationally recognized for their advocacy, including by the White House, state governments, and national news publications. With support from groups like the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Impact and Legacy Fund, National Council Teachers of English, and the Student Press Law Center, students have published op-eds, appeared on podcasts, been featured by local and national news outlets, shared anti-book ban videos, and regularly worked with authors and journalists.
“The best part of the SAS program has been the community we’ve built. I never would’ve thought there were this many students across the country dedicated to free speech and such a supportive, robust community like NCAC with the opportunities to help students get active in the community.” –SAS alum
NCAC Wants You to Use Your Voice
Student voices matter! Your voice matters! Our democracy, and the future of our society is in your hands! With the resources and support NCAC provides Student Advocates for Speech, their advocacy makes our country and our communities fairer, freer, and more vibrant. Together, we can defend the right to read, speak, and think freely — because silence is not an option when it comes to censorship.
Learn More And Apply Now!
The SAS program is held virtually, free for all participants, and open to any high school students in the United States. Visit NCAC.org/SAS to learn more, apply online here, or contact Gianmarco Antosca with questions.
Applications are open on a rolling basis for a limited number of spots. The program begins on September 9th. Apply now!
