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Parrhesia Ambassador Program

parrhesia ambassador students chat during class

Rooted in the University of Chicago Principles of Free Expression, the Parrhesia Program offers an innovative curriculum in the theory and practice of public discourse and deliberation. Parrhesia, to speak freely and openly, signifies our commitment to open and vigorous civic deliberation and dialogue. This curriculum is offered to pre-college students through two different options: this one-week enrichment program, or Freedom of Expression and the Politics of Social Media is a course offered in the Immersion program.

Program Description

The one-week Parrhesia Ambassador Program aims to introduce pre-college students, who are earlier in their academic journey, to the fundamental principles and practices that prepare students to communicate in a variety of contexts. Course assignments and exercises actively engage students in the rhetorical process of argument construction and presentation preparation and delivery. Selected participants will be tasked with serving as ambassadors and changemakers by sharing the principles of discourse and freedom of expression in their schools and communities. 

The program will be hosted on-campus, and program participants must reside in campus housing for the duration of the program. This course is being offered at no cost to selected participants. This program will be hosted twice: once during the week of July 7 - July 12, and again during the week of July 14 - July 19. Students will need to select which week they prefer on the application, and are only eligible to participate one time in this program.

Program Contact: All questions should be directed to Lindsey Eichelman at leichelman@uchicago.edu

Application Requirements

Eligibility: Current 9th and 10th grade students, who are at least 14 years old, and enrolled in a U.S. high school, are invited to apply. 

Applications will be accepted online. The deadline to apply is our Regular Deadline, March 5, 2024. All application decisions for this program will be released at the same time in mid-April. 

Applicants must complete the Summer Session Application, and all the related requirements, which can be reviewed in the How to Apply section.

Application materials include:

  • Online application
  • Transcript
  • Supplement and essays
  • A nomination from a counselor or teacher, which can be completed here.
  • At least one parent/guardian confirmation email received.

Applicants will be asked to respond to the following essay questions in the application:

  • Why did you choose the particular program/courses for which you have applied? How are they related to your current interests and future plans? Please be as specific as possible, and make sure your response covers each of the courses you elected. (Limit: 500 words)
  • "Since its founding, the University has been committed to the idea that a culture of rigorous inquiry requires an environment where diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas inform and stimulate intellectual exchange, challenge, and engagement.” -UChicago Office of the Provost. How would you contribute to this culture of inquiry in this program? What do you hope to gain or learn by engaging with peers from all over the U.S. or from different parts of the world? (Limit: 300 words)

Review the Application Overview pages for more detailed information.

Costs & Fees

The application fee is automatically waived for any applicant who selects any Enrichment Program as their first choice.

All program costs, inclusive of tuition, room and board, and roundtrip transportation, are completely covered. Students will need to have their own health insurance.

Program Dates

A: July 7-12, 2024

  • Arrival date: Sun. Jul. 7
  • First session: Mon. Jul. 8
  • Closing session: Fri. Jul. 12
  • Move-out: Fri. Jul. 12

B: July 14-19, 2024

  • Arrival date: Sun. Jul. 14
  • First session: Mon. Jul. 15
  • Closing session: Fri. Jul. 19
  • Move-out: Fri. Jul. 19