At the heart of a thriving university is the free exchange of ideas, yet many students today struggle with self-censorship and a fear of engaging in meaningful dialogue—and they have so few models for how to do so. Through this project, the Veritas Forum seeks to restore a culture of open inquiry by creating spaces—on campus for the university community and in the digital public square for global audiences—where life’s big questions can be discussed in thoughtful, open, and humble dialogue.
For over 30 years, Veritas has brought high-quality conversations to university campuses and digital platforms, especially our YouTube channel (46M lifetime views, 225K subscribers). In partnership with the John Templeton Foundation, our three-year project will:
--Develop Student Leaders: Train 318+ student leaders each year through Veritas Weekend and Veritas Institute, equipping them to lead Forums, contribute to campus publications, and foster humble dialogue in their communities.
--Host Forum Events: Bring together world-class scholars to address big ideas that model charitable intellectual exchange. These 84 events will engage 8,000+ students in conversations that cultivate curiosity about the wonders of the universe, freedom to pursue meaning and purpose, and motivations of great and selfless love.
--Expand Digital Reach: Publish 230 high-quality videos, 30 podcast episodes, and 30 newsletters, reaching millions through YouTube, social media, and targeted campaigns. Our media efforts will make these crucial conversations accessible to global audiences, modeling humble inquiry for millions.
Through these efforts, we will empower students and faculty to engage in courageous, open-minded inquiry—both in-person and online—shaping a culture where differing perspectives are explored rather than avoided. Through compelling content and strategic outreach, this project will cultivate a new generation of students who pursue wisdom with conviction, humility, and intellectual charity.
