NEWSWELL collaborates with Freedom Forum to expand First Amendment education

Everyone in the United States lives under the Constitution, but not everyone understands the rights it guarantees. A new collaboration between Freedom Forum and NEWSWELL at Arizona State University aims to change that with the launch of the First Amendment Academy — a free, public-facing learning experience designed to deepen understanding of constitutional rights.

The Academy features 15 interactive, self-guided courses and 25 short quizzes on the First Amendment freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition. Each 10–20 minute course, hosted on ASU’s CareerCatalyst, blends video with interactive elements to spark curiosity and critical thinking. Learners who complete the program earn digital badges signifying their knowledge of this essential piece of American law. 

A platform for civic learning

Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan foundation founded in 1991 by USA TODAY creator Al Neuharth, has championed First Amendment freedoms by educating, engaging and inspiring people, sharing the stories of Americans who have exercised their rights to ignite change.

The Academy adds to these efforts through an engaging program that can be accessed in any setting, whether a classroom or living room. It’s the first time Freedom Forum has translated its extensive educational materials into an interactive course format. As a leader in learning innovation, ASU was the natural collaborator to help accomplish that.

“This initiative is a step forward in our mission to educate, engage and inspire people about their First Amendment freedoms,” said Jan Neuharth, chair and CEO of Freedom Forum. “By making these resources widely accessible and interactive, we’re helping people not only understand their rights but also feel empowered to exercise and defend them.”

Expanding reach through collaboration

NEWSWELL exists to support and advance local journalism and the communities it serves. An affiliate of Arizona State University, NEWSWELL equips local and regional newsrooms with operational and strategic tools so they can continue delivering independent, nonpartisan journalism.

In this collaboration, Freedom Forum provides trusted content, while NEWSWELL brings an expansive media network to reach audiences and ASU Learning Enterprise contributes its online learning expertise and infrastructure. Together, the three entities have created a platform that not only teaches about the First Amendment but also makes it convenient for news organizations to share these resources within their communities.

One of the goals of NEWSWELL is to connect news consumers with opportunities for lifelong learning,” said Nicole Carroll, NEWSWELL’S executive director. “NEWSWELL will embed links to these classes and quizzes in news stories that touch on First Amendment issues, giving readers a chance for deeper understanding. We are thrilled that Learning Enterprise shared our interest in this project, as they are the experts in online learning. Freedom Forum, NEWSWELL and ASU were the perfect partners to bring this idea to life.”

Civic learning as a community responsibility

The First Amendment Academy aligns closely with ASU’s Charter, which commits ASU to “assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.” By offering free, accessible courses to anyone with an internet connection, the Academy opens the door for learners of all ages to strengthen their understanding of civic rights and responsibilities.

“This is a learning experience about belonging as much as it is about rights,” said Marco Serrato, vice president of ASU’s Learning Enterprise. “It empowers learners with the knowledge to engage confidently in public life — and that confidence is key to a healthy democracy.”

The First Amendment Academy is free and available to the public at freedomforum.org/first-amendment-academy.