The Spirit of Liberty
Renewing the American ideal
Location: University of Maryland, College Park
Dates: July 20–24, 2026
Application Deadline: May 20, 2026
FEE Summer Campus is the premier free-market economic education event of the year, hosted by Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) this July at the University of Maryland.
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this year’s Summer Campus, The Spirit of Liberty: Renewing the American Ideal, will introduce students and young professionals to the fundamental ideas of the freedom philosophy that animated the American Revolution, their mid-20th Century revival, and their modern application. These three eras will be captured as The Spirit of ‘76, ‘46, and ‘26.
Choose Your Track
Core sessions will provide an introduction to Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) from a classical liberal perspective. Students are required to select one of three following tracks.
The Philosophy Track explores what FEE founder Leonard E. Read called “the philosophy of freedom,” including such core principles as equality under the law, individual rights, limited government, and free expression. Scholarly mentors will explain these ideas—drawing on classic texts by great thinkers like John Locke and John Stuart Mill—and tell the epic story of classical liberalism’s revolutionary triumph, tragic abandonment, and modern revival. Special attention will be given to the Declaration of Independence in honor of its 250th anniversary!
The Politics Track delves into how the philosophy of freedom is implemented as policy. Under the guidance of expert faculty, students will explore the US Constitution (the First Amendment especially), the principle of federalism, and the problems of excessive executive power. Students will also trace the historical arc of American policies and freedoms—from the framing of the Constitution through the Progressive Era’s assault on liberty to the policy debates of our own time.
The Politics Track delves into how the philosophy of freedom is implemented as policy. Under the guidance of expert faculty, students will explore the US Constitution (the First Amendment especially), the principle of federalism, and the problems of excessive executive power. Students will also trace the historical arc of American policies and freedoms—from the framing of the Constitution through the Progressive Era’s assault on liberty to the policy debates of our own time.
The Economics Track presents the saga of sound economics: how classical economics inspired the free trade movement and kicked off the Great Enrichment, how Marxism and Keynesianism derailed economic understanding and human progress, and how the Austrian school of economics fixed the fatal flaws of classical economics and debunked the fallacies of central planners. Special attention will be given to The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith and Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt in honor of their 250th and 80th anniversaries!
You Will Learn About
The Philosophy of the Declaration
America’s founding as a statement of natural rights
The Economics of Freedom
Adam Smith’s insight that prosperity is built through peaceful cooperation
Americanism
Leonard Read’s philosophy of individual dignity, private property, voluntary exchange, and “do no harm”
Character and Self-Government
The American Founders’ emphasis on virtue and personal responsibility
Skepticism of Power: Limits, Law, and Decentralization
Constitutional restraint on concentrated power
Renewing the American Experiment
Applying the founding principles to today’s challenges
Sample Schedule
Monday
1 – 9 p.m.
Arrivals, Reception Dinner, & Keynote
Tuesday
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Breakfast
Core Talks
Lunch
Speech & Writing Workshops
Dinner
Networking
Wednesday
8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Breakfast
Writing Workshops
Core Talks
Lunch
Field Trips: National Mall
Dinner & Keynote
Small Group Discussions
Thursday
8 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Breakfast
Core Talks
Panel Discussions
Speech Workshops
Lunch
Presentations
Closing Ceremony
Awards Dinner & Keynote
Celebration Night
Friday
8 a.m. – 12 p.m
Breakfast & Departure
Hazlitt Fellowship Retreat (Invitation Only)
Cost to Attend & Scholarships
Students and young professionals ages 18–24 are prioritized for a scholarship covering programming, shared lodging, meals, and travel reimbursement up to $500.
Everyone else will be considered for a scholarship, but if none remain, they will be able to attend The Spirit of Liberty Summer Campus for $3,249, which includes programming, shared lodging, and meals, but not travel to and from the event.
Scholarships are awarded based on the quality of your short written application essay responses. Recipients will be notified by email and are expected to complete a post-event survey or exit interview.
International participants are welcome, but they need to already have a valid visa or visa-free entry to the United States.
Sponsors
We welcome you or your organization to sponsor FEE’s Summer Campus.
Please see our Sponsorship Brochure.
This project was made possible through the support of grant #63625 from the
John Templeton Foundation.
The Spirit of Liberty will focus on three pivotal years celebrating America’s past, FEE’s past, and a prosperous future.
The Spirit of ’76 will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the publication of The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith.
The Spirit of ’46 will celebrate the 80th anniversaries of the founding of FEE and the publication of Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt.
The Spirit of ’26 will explore how these historical periods and timeless principles of liberty can transform our modern age.
What to Expect
Connect with visionary thought leaders and faculty
Join a community of passionate intellectuals and future leaders
Hone your speaking and writing skills
Earn a certificate of completion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Summer Campus is for college students and professionals (ages 18+) interested in exploring individual liberty and market-based solutions to policy challenges.
All applications must be submitted by May 20th, 2026.
Fully complete the application form and check the box requesting scholarship consideration.
Business casual for all participants.
After the event you will submit receipts to FEE staff.