78th EWA National Seminar
2025 EWA National Seminar in St. Louis
The 78th EWA National Seminar comes after elections that will likely change education on the federal, state and local level. This includes the possibility of an intensified focus on school choice and renewed battles over curricula and books on race and LGBTQ+ issues, all amid growing concern about threats to the safety and civil rights of marginalized students.
The Education Writers Association will use this pivotal moment to help members fairly and equitably cover what has actually happened and what may come.
The 2025 National Seminar will take place May 28-31 in St. Louis, Missouri. In addition to addressing new policy, legal and equity issues and their impact on students and schools, EWA will offer sessions on various topics: the impact of career and workforce training in postsecondary education; a series of panels on new and relevant education data and tips for data-informed reporting; journalism skills-building workshops, including FOIA how-tos, and more.
Leading policymakers, experts and other speakers will once again share their perspectives with journalist, community, and student members on the most pressing education issues in the nation today. Attend sessions and build community at St. Louis Union Station Hotel, an iconic former train station in the city.
Scholarships will be awarded to qualified journalists and students. All members will get vital training and networking opportunities. Save the date for the 2025 event! Registration and scholarship applications will open this winter.
Photo credit: FreezeFrame Photography/Bigstock
More Information
Tentative Conference Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the National Seminar be held?
All sessions will be held at St. Louis Union Station Hotel, 1820 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63103. Phone Number: +1 (314) 231-1234.
When does the National Seminar start and end?
Registration will open on May 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. Tentatively, regular sessions will run from May 29, 2025 to May 31, 2025. Sessions are scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. on May 29, 2025 to 12:30 p.m. on May 31, 2025. All times are Central Daylight Time.
What meals are provided during the National Seminar?
Scheduled meals during the seminar will be provided at St. Louis Union Station Hotel. EWA does not reimburse for additional meals.
I have a disability or dietary restriction. Who do I inform?
Contact EWA with any concerns or questions. For dietary concerns, remember to provide this information during the registration process.
Will there be site visits during the National Seminar?
We hope so! Visits are still in development; check the National Seminar page for new details.
Can I park my car at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel?
Parking on site is limited and EWA cannot guarantee parking. For more information, contact us.
How can I apply for a scholarship?
You have to be a qualified journalist to be eligible for a scholarship. See here for the scholarship application process.
I’m a journalist who received a scholarship. What’s the reimbursement process?
For details on the process, see the Journalist Scholarship Steps.
What does my travel scholarship cover?
Scholarships can cover or reimburse your seminar registration fee, travel to St. Louis (e.g., airfare, train fare, or mileage), and hotel stay. For additional information, see Scholarship Terms & Conditions.
I can no longer attend the National Seminar. What do I do?
If you are no longer able to attend, let us know immediately. Scholarships are non-transferable. If you received a scholarship and cannot attend, we may be able to grant the funds to another journalist. Refunds are available until April 11, 2025. There are no refunds after this date.
If for any reason you are no longer able to attend the conference, you will have up to 72 hours before the start date of the conference (5/28/2025) to email EWA to cancel your attendance. Failure to cancel your attendance at least 72 hours before the start of the conference will preclude you from qualifying for any EWA scholarships for the next one year (starting from the start date of this seminar), and include scholarships for the 2026 National Seminar.
Where is the conference hotel?
St. Louis Union Station Hotel
1820 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone Number: +1(314) 231-1234
Where do I reserve my hotel room?
If you are NOT a journalist member who has applied for or been approved for a scholarship that includes hotel coverage, a hotel reservation link will be provided on this page. Once this link is posted, we encourage you to book your hotel stay as soon as possible.
If you are a journalist member who has applied for or been approved for a scholarship that includes hotel coverage, please keep an eye on your email inbox for an update on your application and hotel booking instructions.
I went to make my hotel reservation, and the hotel asked me for a credit card. Is my card going to get charged today?
When a reservation is made, there is no deposit required. However, each attendee has to provide a credit card to confirm the reservation. The card is not charged unless the reservation is canceled within less than 48 hours of arrival.
You may review the hotel’s cancellation policy while placing and before confirming a reservation.
How do I get to the St. Louis Union Station Hotel from the airport?
We recommend exploring Uber, Lyft, or an airport shuttle service as EWA will not provide dedicated transportation. Mass transportation options are also available and there is a Metro stop near the hotel.
I applied for and received a scholarship. Does this mean I’m registered?
Not yet! You still need to officially register. Follow the instructions provided in your scholarship award letter.
Is my registration transferable?
Registrations are non-transferable. Refunds are available until April 11, 2025.
Someone wants to attend a single session with me. Is that okay?
Due to space limitations, we can not allow drop-in attendees to any sessions. Anyone that wishes to attend sessions must register.
Can I register for only one day of the seminar?
Single-day registrations are not available.
Can I register and pay on-site?
No. All attendees must register and pay prior to the seminar’s start.
I registered, booked my flight, and reserved my hotel room. What else?
You’re all set! If you have any questions, let us know. Keep an eye on your email for exciting updates!
When will the schedule of events be available?
Soon! Keep checking our National Seminar page for the latest updates and news.
Can I get a list of National Seminar attendees?
EWA does not distribute membership or event attendance lists per our privacy policy. There will be opportunities for networking, and we encourage you to follow the National Seminar hashtag, #ewa25. Sponsors and attendees can check out the official conference mobile app to see those who publicly listed their profiles.
What is the dress code?
Business casual.
Where can attendees post information about their own gatherings or programs?
Not on the EWA listservs. Attendees can submit information about gatherings or counter programming on the official event mobile app. Once the app is launched, attendees can post to the general feed.
How can my organization become a sponsor, exhibitor, or advertiser?
Our development director Rachel Wolin can help.
Where can I get more info on this year’s EWA National Awards for Education Reporting?
Check out our 2024 Awards page for more information. The Awards Winners page will be updated with the finalists in spring 2025, and the winners will be announced during the 2025 National Seminar.
How can I find out my membership status?
Hotel & Travel
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